ADC Warns Sokoto Governor Against Intimidating Opposition, Threatens Legal Action

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the Sokoto State Governor against alleged interference in its campaign activities, saying he will be held personally responsible for any violence against opposition members in the state.
The party accused the Sokoto State Government of obstructing its political activities ahead of its planned campaign in the state, describing the alleged actions as an attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine democratic rights.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said no governor had the authority to determine which political party could campaign or which candidates could address voters.
“The Sokoto State Government must understand that governing a State does not confer ownership. Public office is a temporary mandate from the people, not a licence to suppress political competition,” the party said.
The ADC described the alleged interference as political sabotage and an attack on the constitutional rights of opposition parties to organise, mobilise support and participate in the electoral process.
It called on the state government to immediately stop what it described as efforts to frustrate its lawful political activities and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
The opposition party also urged security agencies and public institutions to remain neutral, stressing that their loyalty should be to the Constitution and Nigerian people rather than the interests of the ruling party.
The ADC warned that public officials who abuse their positions to obstruct lawful political activities would be held accountable under the law.
“Let there be no misunderstanding. 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,” the statement added.
The party further accused the ruling party of displaying intolerance towards opposition activities because of its alleged fear of facing the electorate in a free and fair contest.
It maintained that the people of Sokoto State deserved the opportunity to listen to competing political ideas and freely decide who would lead them.
The ADC urged its members and supporters, as well as residents of Sokoto State, to remain peaceful and law-abiding while insisting that it would continue to defend its right to campaign across the country.
“The future of Sokoto belongs to the people of Sokoto, not to any governor or political party. No government has the right to veto democracy,” he said