ADC pledges to continue Sokoto campaign despite office closure and alleged intimidation

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) declared on Tuesday that it will proceed with its planned campaign operations in Sokoto State, even after the state government shut down its local office. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, characterized the closure as a tactic by Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s regime to pressure the opposition before the 2027 general elections.

Abdullahi warned that the governor would be held responsible if any violence were directed at ADC members or supporters in the state. He reiterated that no governor has the authority to prevent a political party from campaigning or to limit voters’ access to alternative political choices. The ADC urged security agencies and public institutions to remain impartial and to uphold the Constitution rather than the interests of the ruling party.

Background

The dispute arose after the Sokoto State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, ordered the sealing of the ADC’s campaign office on Monday. The closure was justified by the state on the basis of an alleged ownership dispute, with officials claiming the property belonged to Savannah Bank and that clarification from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) was pending. This decision came after a recent confrontation between supporters of rival political parties, an incident the state government cited as the reason for its intervention.

The ADC characterised the closure as part of a broader pattern of intimidation. In official party communications, Abdullahi charged the state administration with violating democratic freedoms and intentionally hindering the ADC’s preparations for the upcoming 2027 elections. He stressed that public office is a temporary mandate from the people and not a licence to suppress political competition.

Why it matters

The standoff highlights tensions between opposition parties and state authorities in Nigeria’s run‑up to the 2027 elections. The ADC’s campaign activities are aimed at presenting its candidates to voters across Sokoto, a key state in the northern region. If the party’s ability to campaign is restricted, it could affect the political landscape and voter choice in the state.

The ADC’s threat that authorities blocking legitimate political endeavors may be pursued through legal channels highlights the possibility of court involvement. The party also called on its supporters and residents of Sokoto to remain peaceful and law‑abiding, signalling concerns that the dispute could otherwise lead to unrest.

What happens next

The ADC has stated it will proceed with its campaign despite the office closure, but no specific alternative venues or dates have been announced. The state government has not indicated whether it will reconsider the sealing of the property pending the NDIC’s clarification. Both parties appear set to continue their respective positions as the 2027 election timetable advances.