The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the Sokoto State Government against interfering with its campaign, saying Governor Ahmed Aliyu will be held personally responsible for any violence against opposition members.
The party issued the warning in a statement on Tuesday, November 3, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
It accused the government of obstructing preparations for its campaign launch in Sokoto and intimidating the opposition.
“The Sokoto State Government must understand that governing a State does not confer ownership. Public office is a temporary mandate from the people, not a licence to suppress political competition.
“No governor has the power to decide which party can campaign, which candidate can speak, or which political choices the people of Sokoto are allowed to consider,” the ADC said.
It called on the government to stop frustrating its activities and ensure a level playing field.
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“We call on the Sokoto State Government to immediately end all efforts to frustrate our lawful political activities and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties.
“We also remind security agencies and other public institutions that their responsibility is to the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not to the political interests of the party in power.”
The party said public officials who obstruct lawful political activities should be prepared to face legal consequences.
“Let there be no misunderstanding. The ADC will campaign in Sokoto State. We will not be intimidated, obstructed or pushed out of any part of Nigeria simply because those in power are afraid of political competition. Democratic participation is not a privilege to be granted by a governor. It is a right guaranteed by the Constitution.”
The ADC argued that restricting opposition campaigns would deny residents the opportunity to consider competing ideas and make informed political choices.
It urged members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while pledging to defend its right to campaign freely across Nigeria.
“The future of Sokoto belongs to the people of Sokoto, not to any governor or political party. No government has the right to veto democracy,” the statement concluded.