Campaign Kickoff: ADC Keeps Venue Secret After Rift With Sokoto Govt

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has kept the venue of its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State undisclosed, citing security concerns following tensions with the state government.

The rally is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, as the party begins its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC presidential campaign committee spokesman, Dahiru Maishanu, said the party had secured a venue but was awaiting clearance from its national headquarters before announcing the location.

He disclosed that the party had contacted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) over reports of a possible plan to disrupt the rally. According to him, both agencies had assured the party of adequate security.

The development follows the sealing of the ADC state office by the Sokoto State Government, an action the party described as an attempt to frustrate its political activities.

However, the state government defended the decision. Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, said the action followed a violent confrontation between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party and the ADC at the premises, alongside a security report warning of possible further violence.

He also said investigations into the property’s ownership showed that its Certificate of Occupancy remained registered in the name of the defunct Savannah Bank. The government said it had contacted the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation for clarification.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, maintained that the campaign would proceed as planned, accusing the ruling APC-led governments of attempting to obstruct the party’s activities. He also alleged difficulties in securing private aircraft to transport party members to Sokoto.

Former Vice-President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, separately accused the DSS of recruiting protesters to create disorder and provide grounds for imposing a curfew that could prevent the rally. The DSS said its Director-General had ordered an investigation into the allegation.

The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed receiving a request for security coverage. Its spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the Commissioner of Police had directed officers to provide adequate protection, adding that political campaigns were a constitutional right.

The dispute has heightened political tensions in Sokoto as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.