The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced its state secretariat in Sokoto as the venue for the flag-off of its presidential campaign, days after raising concerns over alleged intimidation and attempts to frustrate the opposition party’s activities in the state.
Senator Ibrahim Lamido, the ADC Presidential Campaign Coordinator in Sokoto State, disclosed that the campaign flag-off would take place on Wednesday at the party’s state secretariat, located at No. 1 Ilorin Road, Sokoto.
Lamido also announced that former Vice-President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would arrive at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, at 9am ahead of the campaign event.
In a statement, he called on party supporters and members of the public to turn out in large numbers at the airport to welcome Atiku before proceeding to the campaign venue.
He further urged party executives across the 23 local government areas and wards, mobilisation coordinators, support groups, women and youth organisations to activate their structures and ensure massive participation in the event.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of allegations of intimidation, threats and attempts to prevent the ADC from holding its inaugural presidential campaign activities in Sokoto State.
The party had initially withheld information about the campaign venue following claims that its members were being intimidated and that efforts were being made to frustrate its political activities in the state.
The development followed an alleged attack on the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, who reportedly narrowly escaped unhurt after gunmen opened fire on his convoy near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on Friday night.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) subsequently denied allegations that it was responsible for the attack.
Three days after the incident, an ADC campaign office was reportedly sealed, further heightening tensions between the opposition party and the Sokoto State Government.
The ADC also accused the state government of denying it access to a suitable venue for its presidential campaign flag-off, alleging that the actions were part of efforts to obstruct its political activities.
The controversy escalated on Tuesday night when Atiku alleged that the APC and the Department of State Services (DSS) were plotting to frustrate the party’s inaugural presidential campaign in the state.
However, the DSS dismissed the allegation, denying involvement in any plot to disrupt the ADC’s campaign activities.
The decision to use its state secretariat as the campaign venue signals the ADC’s determination to proceed with its presidential campaign despite the allegations of intimidation, the reported attack on its governorship candidate’s convoy and the controversies surrounding its activities in Sokoto.
The development also comes amid growing political tensions as parties begin preparations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.