Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Sokoto State Government of intimidating members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and restricting the party’s access to public facilities for political rallies and campaigns.
Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, said the alleged actions were intended to frustrate the opposition party and deny it a fair opportunity to engage voters ahead of the elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, he described the situation in Sokoto as more than ordinary political competition, alleging that public facilities meant to be accessible to political parties had been withheld from the ADC.
He also claimed that logistical support had been denied, describing the development as a deliberate attempt to undermine the party’s campaign activities.
The former Vice-President further accused the leadership of the Department of State Services of recruiting individuals to organise protests aimed at disrupting the ADC’s planned activities in the state.
According to Atiku, the alleged plan was intended to create disorder and provide the state government with grounds to impose a curfew that could prevent the party’s campaign from proceeding as scheduled.
He called on security agencies to remain impartial and carry out their constitutional responsibilities without favouring any political interest.
Despite the alleged restrictions, Atiku vowed to visit Sokoto on Wednesday to address party supporters, insisting that the ADC would not be deterred by what he described as administrative obstacles and attempts to exclude the opposition.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party States Chairmen’s Forum, Austin Nwachukwu, has also raised concerns over alleged intimidation of opposition members by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Nwachukwu made the allegation during a meeting with the PDP National Working Committee, citing Ebonyi State as an example.
He said the forum was preparing a petition to the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies over the alleged harassment.
The allegations by the opposition figures come amid concerns about the conduct of political activities and the need to ensure equal opportunities for parties to campaign across the country.
Deborah Adeyefa
