ADC Keeps Sokoto Rally Venue Secret Over Security Fears as Atiku Accuses DSS of Plot to Disrupt Campaign

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has kept the venue of its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State secret over concerns about possible attempts to disrupt the event scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

The party said it had secured a venue but was taking precautionary measures amid allegations of political intimidation, attacks on its supporters and attempts to frustrate its campaign activities.

The development comes amid heightened political tension in Sokoto following the sealing of the party’s state office by the state government and accusations of political interference by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ADC presidential campaign committee spokesman, Dahiru Maishanu, disclosed that the party had secured a location but was awaiting approval from its national headquarters before making it public.

“We have secured a place for the campaign rally, but due to one or two reasons, I may not be able to disclose that for now. If time permits and I get clearance from the national headquarters, you will be briefed,” Maishanu said.

He added that the party had contacted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) over reports of a possible disruption, claiming that both agencies had assured it of adequate security.

Maishanu also said some party members had arrived in Sokoto ahead of the rally despite what he described as restrictions on accommodation for its guests.

On the sealing of the ADC state office, he said party officials had visited the state police command and were informed that the police had no knowledge of the closure.

According to him, the police also maintained that no quasi-security agency could independently seal a property without police involvement or a court order.

The spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed that the command had received an official request from the rally organisers for security coverage.

Rufai said the Commissioner of Police had directed officers to provide adequate protection, adding that political campaigns were a constitutional right.

He, however, disclosed that the command had yet to receive information about the specific venue.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government defended its decision to seal the ADC office, insisting that the action was not politically motivated.

The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, said the government acted following a violent confrontation between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party and the ADC at the property, alongside a security report warning of possible further violence.

He also said investigations showed that the property’s Certificate of Occupancy remained registered in the name of the defunct Savannah Bank.

According to Dantsoho, the government had contacted the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation for clarification because of its responsibility for managing the assets of failed banks.

The controversy has intensified as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections. On Tuesday, APC youths in Sokoto staged a rally in support of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s second-term ambition.
Atiku Accuses DSS of Plotting to Disrupt Rally
The ADC presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, accused the DSS of allegedly recruiting protesters to create disorder and provide grounds for the state government to impose a curfew that could prevent the campaign rally from holding.

Atiku made the allegation while addressing journalists at his Abuja residence on Tuesday.

He also accused the Sokoto State Government of blocking the opposition party’s access to public facilities and frustrating its logistical arrangements.

According to him, some protesters had been assembled around Koko Road and other locations in Sokoto, allegedly causing traffic disruption and threatening commuters.

Atiku called on the DSS to stop what he described as political interference and focus on its constitutional responsibility of protecting citizens.

He also criticised the Tinubu administration, accusing it of weakening opposition parties instead of addressing the country’s economic difficulties.

The former vice-president promised that an ADC-led government would prioritise local production, food security, job creation and measures to reduce the cost of doing business.

He urged residents of Sokoto to remain peaceful and called on security agencies to provide impartial protection for all participants.
DSS Orders Investigation Into Atiku’s Allegation
The DSS has ordered an investigation into Atiku’s allegation that its operatives were mobilising protesters to disrupt the ADC rally.

In a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the agency said its Director-General had directed an investigation into the claim.

The service maintained that its operatives had been providing security for political parties across the country.

It cited an incident on October 31, 2026, when DSS operatives reportedly rescued the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, Mannir Daniya, during an attack.

The agency said two of its officers were assaulted during the incident and were still receiving medical treatment.

It added that Daniya had personally contacted the DSS State Director to appreciate the officers and request additional security support.

The service also referred to its arrest and prosecution of a man in Rivers State in March 2026 over threats against the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi.

Although the DSS described Atiku’s allegation as inconsistent with its operations, it said the investigation would proceed.
ADC Petitions International Organisations
Amid the political tension, the ADC petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Muslim World League over alleged political violence, intimidation and restrictions on opposition activities in Sokoto.

The petition, dated November 3, 2026, was submitted by a civil society organisation, Arewa Transformational Leader.

Titled “Urgent Appeal for Diplomatic Intervention over Political Violence and Threats to Democratic Participation in Sokoto State, Nigeria,” it called for international attention and intervention ahead of the party’s campaign flag-off.

The group cited alleged attacks on women participating in an ADC solidarity procession on October 28 and an alleged attack on the convoy of the party’s governorship candidate, Mannir Muhammad Dan’Iya, on October 30.

It also raised concerns about the sealing of the party’s office and reports of possible attempts to mobilise political thugs against its supporters.

The organisation acknowledged that some of the reports had not been independently verified but called for investigations and preventive security measures.

Among its demands were impartial protection for opposition supporters, investigations into the alleged attacks and possible sanctions against individuals established through credible evidence to have sponsored political violence.
ADC Youth Leader Vows to Mobilise Supporters
The ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, has also vowed that the party will mobilise young Nigerians to challenge President Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 elections.

Rufai made the declaration after arriving in Sokoto ahead of Wednesday’s campaign flag-off.

He said the party’s delegation received an enthusiastic welcome from supporters, led by the ADC North-West Zonal Youth Leader, Sabiu Yusuf, and the Sokoto State Youth Leader, Yakubu Musa.

“What we witnessed was more than a welcome. It was a clear declaration that no amount of intimidation can silence a generation determined to reclaim its future,” Rufai said.

He added that the party was not travelling to Sokoto to seek permission to participate in politics but to organise and mobilise supporters ahead of the next general elections.

Despite the allegations and security concerns surrounding the event, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi maintained that preparations had been concluded and expressed confidence that the rally would proceed peacefully.