ADC Keeps Campaign Venue Secret in Sokoto Following Office Closure and Hostility Allegations
SOKOTO — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has resolved to keep the precise venue for its scheduled presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State undisclosed until the final moments on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, citing escalating security concerns and operational obstruction from state authorities.
The decision comes amid a brewing standoff between the opposition party and the Sokoto State Government following the sudden closure of the ADC’s state campaign secretariat along Ilorin Road.
Sealed Secretariat and Hotel Disputes
The confrontation escalated after state officials sealed the party’s operational headquarters, claiming the building belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank and asserting that clarification was required from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) regarding ownership status.
The closure followed earlier disruptions, including hotel booking cancellations across the state capital and alleged attacks on opposition logistics coordinators, which forced the ADC to shift its initial rally date from October 31 to November 4.
The Sokoto State Government has denied accusations of political sabotage. State officials insisted that hotel operations remain private commercial matters and denied issuing directives to deny lodging to opposition figures, while ruling APC representatives dismissed claims of state-sponsored thuggery.
ADC Top Hierarchy Arrives in Sokoto
Despite the administrative hurdles and venue secrecy, key opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi—arrived in Sokoto on Tuesday evening to lead the campaign launch.
| Incident / Friction Point | Opposition Position (ADC) | Government / APC Response |
| Campaign Office Closure | Deliberate political suppression | Property ownership review via NDIC |
| Logistics & Hotel Blockades | Coordinated denial of public facilities | State denies interference in private hospitality |
| Rally Venue Security | Kept secret to prevent state thuggery/blockades | Assures equal security for all residents |
In a formal briefing, the ADC leadership condemned what it characterized as weaponization of state administrative powers to deny opposition platforms a level playing field, calling on security agencies to guarantee protection for party supporters and prevent politically motivated disruptions as the 2027 campaign cycle gathers momentum.
