The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is formally launching the 2027 presidential campaign of its candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in Sokoto on Wednesday, despite a tense stand-off with the Sokoto State Government. In the days before the event, the party accused Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration of intimidating its members, while the state insists it acted over a property dispute and security concerns.
According to Vanguard and Daily Trust, Atiku was scheduled to arrive at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, on Wednesday morning before heading to the flag-off at the ADC secretariat on No. 1 Ilorin Road. The venue was announced by Senator Ibrahim Lamido, coordinator of the party’s presidential campaign council in the state.
Why Sokoto Has Become a Flashpoint
The choice of Sokoto, a state governed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has turned the launch into a test of how freely opposition parties can campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Premium Times reported that on Monday, November 2, the Sokoto State Government sealed an ADC campaign office on Ahmadu Bello Way. Days earlier, on October 30, the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate, Manir Dan’iya, was allegedly attacked near Sokoto airport. Dan’iya accused personnel linked to state security outfits of blocking his convoy and damaging his vehicle. Police said they were investigating the incident.
A spokesperson for Dan’iya, Aminu Abdullahi, also alleged that the state government demanded N30 million for a venue for the campaign launch. Premium Times said it had not independently confirmed that claim, and the government had not responded to it.
ADC Warns Governor Aliyu
In a statement on Tuesday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the state government of political intimidation and said the party would hold Governor Aliyu responsible for any violence against its members. The party said officials who obstruct lawful political activity could face legal consequences.
“Governing a State does not confer ownership,” the statement said, according to Premium Times.
Atiku himself alleged on Tuesday that the Department of State Services (DSS) was recruiting protesters to disrupt the launch, in order to create disorder that could justify a curfew. Daily Trust reported that the DSS denied the allegation. The ADC urged its supporters to remain peaceful.
What the Sokoto Government Says
The state government has rejected claims that it is targeting the opposition. Commissioner for Lands and Housing Nasiru Dantsoho said government records show the sealed building belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank, with no documented transfer of ownership, Premium Times reported.
He said the government had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for clarification and would keep the premises sealed until it gets a response. He also cited a disturbance involving political supporters near the property. The APC has likewise disputed allegations of politically motivated violence.
Background: The Race for 2027
Atiku, who has contested the presidency several times, is now the ADC’s flagbearer as opposition parties line up against President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking a second term on the APC platform. Peter Obi is running separately on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.
With presidential campaigns now getting under way, parties are taking their message to the states. Sokoto, in the North-West, is an important state for any candidate hoping to win votes in the region, where Atiku has historically drawn strong support.
What Happens Next
All eyes will be on whether the Sokoto rally passes off peacefully and whether security agencies allow the opposition to campaign without obstruction. The dispute over the sealed office could end up in court or be resolved once the NDIC responds. Police are also expected to report on their investigation into the attack on Dan’iya’s convoy.
Flashinfong will update this story as details from the flag-off emerge.
Photo: Morten Fauerby / Wikimedia Commons (file photo).
Sources: Premium Times, Daily Trust, Vanguard, The Sun.
