Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have vowed to proceed with the party’s scheduled campaign in Sokoto State despite allegations of intimidation and attempts to disrupt its activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, accused the Sokoto State Government and security operatives of frustrating the party’s campaign, alleging that protesters were being mobilised to disrupt its planned rally.

He made the allegations at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, claiming that the party had been denied access to public facilities and logistical support.

“These are not harmless administrative delays. They are deliberate attempts to deny the ADC a level playing field,” he said.

Atiku Alleges Mobilisation of Protesters

Atiku further alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) was recruiting protesters to cause disturbances and create conditions that could lead to the imposition of a curfew.

He identified an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road as one of the locations where the protesters were allegedly assembled.

“We know where some of these protesters are assembled: an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road,” he said, adding that trucks were stationed there and dispatched to key locations, including a roundabout.

The former vice president also alleged that commuters were being threatened and, in some cases, beaten during the protests.

He accused security personnel allegedly involved in the mobilisation of abandoning their professional responsibilities for political interests.

“This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform,” Atiku said.

He urged the officers involved to stop the alleged mobilisation and perform their duties without political bias.

ADC Accuses Sokoto Government of Obstruction

In a separate statement on Tuesday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the Sokoto State Government of deliberately frustrating the party’s political activities.

Abdullahi said the party would not be intimidated, warning that Governor Ahmed Aliyu would be held responsible if violence was directed at opposition members or supporters.

He maintained that no governor had the authority to prevent a political party from campaigning or presenting its candidates to voters.

“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,” the statement read.

He called on the state government to stop the alleged obstruction and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties.

The party also reminded security agencies and public institutions that their responsibilities were to the Constitution and the Nigerian people, rather than the political interests of the ruling party.

“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,” Abdullahi said.

Campaign Office Sealed Amid Ownership Dispute

The latest accusations follow the sealing of the ADC campaign office in Sokoto over an alleged ownership dispute.

The state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the closure of the building on Monday, saying it followed a recent clash involving supporters of different political parties.

The ADC had earlier accused the state government of using the police to intimidate opposition politicians and demanded the immediate reopening of the premises.

Atiku Says He Will Attend Rally

Atiku also accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of attempting to weaken opposition parties by drawing their members into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He described the alleged strategy as political absorption and intimidation, warning that its objective was to leave Nigeria with little meaningful opposition.

The ADC candidate also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the economy, citing rising food, transport, fuel and electricity costs.

He said the ADC would pursue policies focused on expanding local production, increasing food supply, creating jobs and reducing the cost of doing business if elected in 2027.

Atiku further proposed a targeted production subsidy linked to fuel refined in Nigeria, saying it would ease pressure on consumers while supporting domestic industry.

Despite the alleged obstacles, he maintained that the campaign would go ahead and said he would personally attend the rally on Wednesday.

“Our campaign will proceed, and I will be in Sokoto tomorrow, God willing, to address the good people of the state,” he said.

He urged residents to remain peaceful and called on security agencies to protect commuters, residents and those attending the rally.