SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has withheld the location of its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto State, citing security concerns and alleged attempts to disrupt the event scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The decision comes amid rising political tension between the opposition party and the Sokoto State Government following the sealing of the ADC state office, reported attacks on party supporters, and disagreements over access to facilities for political activities.
The ADC’s presidential campaign committee spokesman, Dahiru Maishanu, confirmed that the party had secured a venue but would not disclose its location until receiving clearance from the national leadership. He added that the party had contacted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) over reported threats, with both agencies assuring it of adequate security.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed receiving a formal request for security coverage. Its spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the Commissioner of Police had directed officers to provide adequate protection, stressing that political campaigns are constitutionally guaranteed rights.
However, the state government defended the closure of the ADC office. The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, explained that the decision followed a violent confrontation involving PDP and ADC supporters and concerns raised in a security report. He also questioned the property’s ownership, noting that its Certificate of Occupancy remained registered in the name of the defunct Savannah Bank.
Meanwhile, ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar accused the DSS and the APC-led governments of attempting to frustrate the party’s campaign. He alleged that protesters were being mobilized to create disorder and provide grounds for imposing a curfew. The DSS denied the accusation indirectly by highlighting its previous security operations in Sokoto but ordered an investigation into Atiku’s claims.
The ADC has also petitioned the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the Muslim World League, seeking diplomatic intervention over alleged political intimidation and violence against its supporters.
Despite the controversy, the party’s national leadership maintained that the campaign would proceed as scheduled. Its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed confidence that preparations had been completed.
The dispute comes as political parties intensify mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ADC declaring its determination to challenge the ruling APC.
SNOW TV EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
The tension surrounding the ADC’s campaign rally in Sokoto raises important questions about political freedom, opposition rights, and the responsibilities of government institutions in a democracy.
Although the state government has offered security and property-related explanations for its actions, allegations of intimidation and political interference deserve serious and impartial investigation. Equally, accusations against security agencies should be supported by credible evidence rather than political speculation.
The police and other security institutions must demonstrate neutrality by protecting all political parties, their supporters, and the general public without discrimination.
Ultimately, democracy cannot flourish where political participation is accompanied by fear, intimidation, or unnecessary restrictions. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the priority should be peaceful political competition, institutional accountability, and respect for constitutional rights.
Editorial position: A credible democracy is measured not by how comfortably the ruling party exercises power, but by how freely the opposition can organise, campaign and present alternative choices to the electorate.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
