The Sokoto State Government has sealed an office belonging to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing unresolved questions surrounding the ownership of the property and concerns over public safety.
The decision follows a recent disturbance involving supporters of the opposition party and individuals described as suspected troublemakers, amid growing political tension in the state.
Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, confirmed the development on Monday, explaining that the government intervened to prevent further unrest and safeguard lives and property.
According to Dantsoho, a review of official land records revealed discrepancies concerning the ownership of the building currently being used by the ADC.
He disclosed that the property was originally owned by the defunct Savannah Bank, with no evidence in government records indicating that ownership had been formally transferred to another individual or organisation.
The commissioner explained that the absence of documented ownership changes raised questions requiring clarification before the property could be reopened.
As part of efforts to establish the building’s legal status, the state government contacted the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which Dantsoho identified as the institution responsible for the property.
He said the government had formally requested confirmation of the building’s current ownership but had yet to receive a response.
Dantsoho maintained that the office would remain sealed pending clarification from the NDIC and the completion of the necessary verification process.
He also invited individuals or organisations claiming ownership of the building to present relevant documents to the Ministry of Lands and Housing for examination.
According to the commissioner, the government would consider handing over the property to its rightful owner once the documentation had been verified and the ownership dispute resolved.
He warned against attempts to disregard the sealing order, stressing that anyone who forcibly entered the premises could face prosecution.
The commissioner insisted that the government’s intervention was intended to maintain public order while addressing the outstanding property documentation issues.
The development comes against the backdrop of political disagreements involving the ADC and authorities in Sokoto State.
Recent allegations of attacks involving ADC supporters and operatives of a state-owned security outfit have heightened concerns about the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The circumstances surrounding those allegations remain contested, while the government’s latest action introduces a separate dispute over the legal ownership of the party’s office.
Although the administration has linked the sealing to security considerations and unresolved property records, the building’s ownership has not yet been conclusively established.
The NDIC’s response is expected to play a central role in determining the property’s status and the next steps concerning its occupation.
For now, the ADC office will remain inaccessible under the state government’s directive, pending the outcome of the ownership verification process.
Ezeana Emmanuel
