African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Sokoto State Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state-backed security outfits to intimidate, harass and attack opposition members, alleging that the actions are aimed at restricting lawful political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for its governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, his supporters and other party members, following what it described as an attack on the candidate’s convoy on Friday, October 30, 2026, while returning from the airport.
Addressing journalists at the ADC State Secretariat in Sokoto on Sunday, the party’s Director-General for the 2027 Governorship Campaign, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, said the situation had become a serious threat to democratic participation in the state.
He said: “We demand protection for our candidate and call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Sokoto State Government to investigate a sustained pattern of violence and intimidation against our party including the attack on our governorship candidate on Friday, 30 October 2026.
“We demand protection for our candidate and supporters, accountability for those responsible, and an end to any use of State-backed security outfits to restrict lawful political activity.”
Goronyo also alleged that the ADC had formally notified the APC of its plan to flag off its presidential campaign in Sokoto but claimed the ruling party responded by objecting to the programme.
According to him, “That reply raises serious concern about the Government’s commitment to political pluralism, freedom of association and the right of opposition parties to hold lawful political activities.
“Sokoto State is not the private property of the APC or of any individual and no government has the authority to decide which party citizens may support or which lawful gatherings they may attend.”
The ADC further alleged that two suspected political thugs recently released from prison were linked to attacks on its members, claiming the incidents formed part of a wider campaign of intimidation against the opposition.
Reacting to the allegations, Sokoto State APC Chairman and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Alhaji Haruna Adiya, dismissed the claims as false, insisting that violence has never been part of the party’s political culture.
According to him, the ADC was making the allegations because it lacked political support in the state.
He said: “The people of Sokoto and even those of the ADC know long before now that criminality has never been part of the APC members brought up.
“The APC is not responsible for any attack against anybody because we play politics with decency. We play politics with respect for human dignity.
“We, members of the APC listen to our leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko who always preach peace and peaceful democratic process at all times.
“Therefore, violence is not in our character. We have never and will never sponsor anybody to attack anyone on our behalf.”
Adiya maintained that the APC would continue to rely on its record in government and the support of voters rather than violence to win elections.
He said the achievements of former Governor Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Governor Ahmed Aliyu and other elected APC officials had continued to earn the party public acceptance across Sokoto State.
The APC chairman added that the party remained committed to peaceful democratic competition and would use the ballot, not violence, to prove its popularity during the 2027 elections.
