The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has withheld the venue of its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto State, citing security concerns ahead of the campaign kickoff scheduled for Wednesday, November 4.
The party said it was taking precautions following reports of a possible plot to disrupt the event.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions in Sokoto, including the reported sealing of the ADC state office, allegations of attacks on party supporters and claims of political interference by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Party Awaits Clearance to Announce Venue
ADC presidential campaign committee spokesman Dahiru Maishanu said the party had secured a venue but was waiting for approval from its national headquarters before disclosing the location.
“We have secured a place for the campaign rally, but due to one or two reasons, I may not be able to disclose that for now,” Maishanu said.
He added that the party had contacted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) over reports of a possible disruption. According to him, both agencies assured the party that adequate security would be provided.
ADC Raises Concerns Over Accommodation
Maishanu said some ADC members had already arrived in Sokoto and secured accommodation, despite what he described as restrictions imposed by the state government on lodging for the party’s guests.
Regarding the reported sealing of the ADC state office, he said party leaders had visited the state police command and were told that the police had no knowledge of the closure.
He further quoted the police as saying that a quasi-security agency could not independently close a property without police involvement or a court order.
Police Promise Security
Sokoto State Police Command spokesman DSP Ahmed Rufai confirmed that the command had received a formal request from the rally organisers for security coverage.
Rufai said the Commissioner of Police had directed officers to provide adequate protection for the event.
The ADC’s campaign kickoff is expected to take place amid heightened political tensions, with the party maintaining that security arrangements must be in place before the rally venue is publicly announced.
