The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned what it describes as growing attempts by the Sokoto State Government to obstruct its political and campaign activities, warning that Governor Ahmed Aliyu will be held personally responsible for any violence or intimidation directed at opposition members in the state.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the Sokoto State Government of engaging in deliberate political interference as the ADC prepares to commence its campaign activities in the state.

The party described the alleged obstruction as an attempt to intimidate the opposition, restrict democratic participation and undermine the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate, organise and participate in the political process.

The ADC stressed that occupying public office does not confer ownership of a state or give any elected official the authority to determine which political parties can operate, campaign or engage with the electorate.

“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 statement declared.

The party described the alleged interference with its campaign preparations as political sabotage and a direct assault on the constitutional freedoms of opposition parties, insisting that all political organisations must be allowed to operate without intimidation, discrimination or unnecessary restrictions.

It consequently called on the Sokoto State Government to immediately end all attempts to frustrate its lawful political activities and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.

The ADC also urged security agencies and other public institutions in the state to remain impartial and discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution, warning against the use of state institutions to advance the political interests of the ruling party.

According to the party, public officials who abuse their positions to obstruct lawful political activities must understand that they will be held accountable under the law, regardless of how long it takes to secure justice.

Reaffirming its determination to exercise its democratic rights across the country, the ADC declared that it would not abandon its political activities in Sokoto State in response to threats, intimidation or obstruction.

“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 party stated.

The opposition party further argued that attempts to frustrate its activities reflect an unwillingness by the ruling party to submit itself to genuine democratic competition and the judgement of the electorate.

It maintained that a government confident in its performance should welcome open political engagement rather than resort to intimidation or administrative obstruction to limit the activities of opposition parties.

“If the ruling party believes it has served the people well, it should have nothing to fear from an open contest. Intimidation cannot manufacture public support, and obstruction cannot take away the people's right to choose their leaders,” the statement added.

The ADC emphasised that the people of Sokoto State deserve an open and competitive political environment in which they can listen to different political perspectives, assess competing policy proposals and freely decide who should govern them.

The party also appealed to its members, supporters and residents of Sokoto State to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to democratic principles, even in the face of alleged provocation.

Reiterating its resolve to defend the political and constitutional rights of its members, the ADC insisted that it would continue to organise, mobilise and campaign freely in Sokoto State and every other part of 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.