ADC Warns Sokoto Governor Against Intimidation, Vows To Campaign Freely
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the Sokoto State Governor against interfering with its political activities, declaring that he would be held personally responsible for any violence directed at opposition members in the state.
The party accused the Sokoto State Government of deliberately obstructing its campaign activities ahead of the forthcoming elections, describing the alleged actions as an attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine democratic rights.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned what it described as a growing pattern of political obstruction in Sokoto State.
The party maintained that occupying the office of governor does not give anyone ownership of the state or the authority to determine which political parties can operate and campaign.
“Public office is a temporary mandate from the people, not a licence to suppress political competition. No governor has the power to decide which party can campaign, which candidate can speak, or which political choices the people of Sokoto are allowed to consider,” the statement said.
The ADC described the alleged interference as political sabotage and an attack on the constitutional rights of opposition parties to organise, mobilise supporters and participate in the democratic process.
It called on the state government to immediately stop frustrating its lawful political activities and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
The opposition party also urged security agencies and other public institutions to remain neutral, stressing that their loyalty should be to the Constitution and Nigerians rather than the political interests of the ruling party.
Warning against further interference, the ADC said public officials who abuse their positions to obstruct lawful political activities would eventually be held accountable under the law.
The party declared that it would not abandon its political activities in Sokoto despite the alleged intimidation.
“The ADC will campaign in Sokoto State. We will not be intimidated, obstructed or pushed out of any part of Nigeria simply because those in power are afraid of political competition,” it stated.
It further challenged the ruling party to allow an open political contest, arguing that intimidation and obstruction cannot replace public support or take away the people’s right to choose their leaders.
The ADC urged its members, supporters and residents of Sokoto State to remain peaceful and law-abiding while reaffirming its determination to defend its constitutional right to campaign across the country.
