*No Going Back On Presidential Campaign Flag-off In Sokoto 4 Nov, It Declares
By Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on security agencies to investigate alleged attacks and intimidation involving its members in Sokoto State, North-West Nigeria, demanding accountability and protection for opposition politicians.
The party, in a statement on Sunday, expressed concern over what it described as attempts to obstruct its lawful political activities, insisting that Sokoto State belongs to all its citizens and must not be treated as the exclusive property of any political party or individual.
The party warned that what it described as the deployment of state-owned security outfits against opposition politicians, if established, would constitute an abuse of public authority.
It stressed that security personnel must remain politically neutral and accountable to the people.
The ADC is a peaceful political party committed to democratic principles, political tolerance, constitutional freedoms and the rule of law, the statement declared.
It added that its commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness or a willingness to surrender its constitutional rights.
The party called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant authorities to investigate the reported incidents, protect political candidates and supporters, and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.
It also urged civil society organisations, human rights groups, the media and the international community to monitor developments in Sokoto State, warning that political violence and intimidation could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and Nigeria’s democratic standing.
The ADC further announced that its presidential campaign flag-off, rescheduled for 4 November, 2026, would proceed as planned.
It urged its supporters to remain calm, disciplined and law abiding, insisting that no threat or unlawful obstruction would deprive the party of its constitutional right to campaign.
The party maintained that political competition should be determined by ideas, policies, performance and the will of the electorate rather than violence or intimidation.
It called for justice for those allegedly injured, adequate protection for all political actors and an immediate end to any use of public institutions for partisan purposes.
The ADC stressed that the peace and democratic future of the State must not be sacrificed on the altar of political rivalry.
