Human rights activist and lawyer, Hamza N. Dantani, has accused Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu of allegedly using state-owned security agencies and government institutions to intimidate opposition political parties and frustrate their activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dantani made the allegations in an open letter addressed to the governor, expressing concern over what he described as his administration’s disturbing attitude towards opposition parties and their constitutional rights to political participation in the state.
The activist specifically referenced reports of alleged intimidation and restrictions imposed on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during preparations for the party’s campaign flag-off in Sokoto State.
According to him, reports had also emerged that commercial hotels in the state were allegedly directed not to accommodate some of the ADC’s guests and supporters attending the party’s political activities.
He further alleged that an ADC campaign office in the state had been sealed by authorities on grounds he described as questionable and insufficiently justified.
“If these reports are accurate, they raise concerns about your administration’s commitment to democratic principles and the constitutional rights of opposition parties,” Dantani wrote.
The lawyer reminded Aliyu that an opposition political party had provided the platform through which he secured his current political position, arguing that the governor should understand the importance of political competition and democratic principles.
He stated that the experience of emerging through an opposition political platform should make the governor appreciate the role of opposition parties in a democratic society.
Dantani also condemned what he described as the alleged deployment of state-owned security personnel to intimidate, harass, threaten and obstruct opposition members from exercising their constitutional rights to political participation, campaigns and rallies.
“Opposition parties are not the government’s enemies. They have every constitutional right to organise, campaign, criticise government policies, and seek the electorate’s mandate,” he stated.
The activist argued that political parties must be allowed to organise their activities without intimidation, stressing that opposition groups have legitimate constitutional rights to challenge government policies and seek public support through democratic processes.
He urged the governor to concentrate on addressing insecurity, improving the welfare of residents and delivering development across the state rather than allegedly deploying government institutions against political opponents.
According to Dantani, political aspirants seeking elective positions should depend on their character, competence, achievements and intentions to win the confidence of voters rather than resorting to intimidation or coercion.
“In a democratic society, the character, competence, achievements, and good intentions of political aspirants should be their strongest selling points. Intimidation, coercion, and abuse of public institutions are not signs of political strength; they only undermine democracy,” he said.
The activist also invoked Islamic teachings on leadership, accountability and public responsibility, urging Aliyu to recognise that occupying public office is a trust rather than personal property or an instrument of oppression.
Referring to a narration involving Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Abu Dharr (RA), Dantani reminded the governor that public office carries enormous responsibilities and that leaders would ultimately be accountable to Almighty Allah for how they treated those under their authority.
He warned that political power was temporary and cautioned the governor against regarding his position as ownership of Sokoto State or its institutions.
“Your Excellency, the people of Sokoto State are not your political subjects; they are citizens whose mandate you were elected to serve. Remember, the same democratic process that brought you into office can also determine whether you deserve another term,” he wrote.
Dantani called on Aliyu to respect the constitutional rights of all political actors, ensure the neutrality of security agencies and guarantee a level playing field for political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that an administration confident in its performance should have no reason to fear political competition or prevent opposition parties from mobilising supporters and presenting their programmes to the electorate.
“You do not need to intimidate, threaten, or coerce anyone to secure re-election. A government that performs well should not fear political competition,” he added.
The activist concluded by urging the governor to consider how history would judge his administration, stressing that a leader’s legacy should be determined by how responsibly he exercises the powers entrusted to him rather than the length of time he remains in office.