- APC Hits Back, Dismisses Allegations As Baseless
By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Sunday in Sokoto accused the State Government and tne ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) of using State backed security outfits to harass, attack and intimidate opposition political party members thereby trying to create an atmosphere of restricting lawful political activities.
Addressing newsmen at the State ADC Secretariat, the party's 2027 governorship campaign Director General, Bello Muhammad Goronyo said they are demanding unconditional protection for all their candidates and members henceforth.
Goronyo who said the call for protection has become necessary following Friday 30th October 2026 attack on their governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan'Iya and his convoy while returning from the Airport.
"We demand protection for our candidate and call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Sokoto State Government to investigate a sustained pattern of violence and intimidation against our party including the attack on our governorship candidate on Friday, 30 October 2026.
"We demand protection for our candidate and supporters, accountability for those responsible, and an end to any use of State-backed security outfits to restrict lawful political activity".
Expressing their shock with the APC's attempt at hindering democratic process, the ADC said they wrote and formerly notify the ruling APC of their decision to flag off its presidential campaign in Sokoto but were surprised that the APC replied with disagreement.
"That reply raises serious concern about the Government’s commitment to political pluralism, freedom of association and the right of opposition parties to hold lawful
political activities.
"Sokoto State is not the private property of the APC or of any individual and no government has the authority to decide which party citizens may support or which lawful gatherings they may attend".
The ADC further accused the ruling APC of being behind the release of two known political thugs from the prison and said they are connected to the series of attacks being meted out against members of the opposition ADC.
Responding to the allegations, Sokoto State chairman of the APC and State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Initiative, Alhaji Haruna Adiya said the ADC was only crying foul because they are not on ground.
According to Adiya, the people of Sokoto and even those of the ADC know long before now that criminality has never been part of the APC members brought up.
"The APC is not responsible for any attack against anybody because we play politics with decency. We play politics with respect for human dignity.
"We, members of the APC listen to our leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko who always preach peace and peaceful democratic process at all times.
"Therefore, violence is not in our character. We have never and will never sponsor anybody to attack anyone on our behalf", Sokoto APC chairman, Haruna Adiya emphasized. NNL.
