-Says Governor Will Be Held Responsible for Violence
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the Sokoto State Government against interfering with the party’s campaign activities, saying the state governor will be held personally responsible for any violence against the opposition.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned what it called a growing pattern of political obstruction in Sokoto as it prepares to launch its campaign. The party described the alleged actions as an attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine Nigerians’ democratic rights.
“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. 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 with its campaign activities as political sabotage and an assault on opposition parties’ constitutional right to organise and mobilise support ahead of the elections.
“We call on the Sokoto State Government to immediately end all efforts to frustrate our lawful political activities and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties. We also remind security agencies and other public institutions that their responsibility is to the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not to the political interests of the party in power.”
The party warned that public officials who abuse their authority to obstruct lawful political activities must be prepared to face the consequences under the law, “no matter how long it takes”.
“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. Democratic participation is not a privilege to be granted by a governor. It is a right guaranteed by the Constitution,” the statement said.
The ADC said what it described as the ruling party’s growing intolerance of opposition activities reflected its fear of facing voters in a free and fair contest.
“If the ruling party believes it has served the people well, it should have nothing to fear from an open contest. Intimidation cannot manufacture public support, and obstruction cannot take away the people’s right to choose their leaders. The people of Sokoto, like all Nigerians, deserve the opportunity to hear competing ideas and make their own decisions.”
The party called on its members, supporters and the people of Sokoto State to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while pledging to defend its right to campaign freely throughout 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,” the statement concluded.
