Chinwe Odita, Political Editor
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has warned the Sokoto State Government against alleged interference with its campaign activities in the state, declaring that the governor will be held personally responsible for any violence against the opposition.
In a statement on Monday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned what it described as a growing spate of political obstruction in Sokoto as it prepares to launch its campaign, saying it was a deliberate attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine democratic rights.
“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.
No governor has the power to decide which party can campaign, which candidate can speak, or which political choices the people of Sokoto are allowed to consider,” the party said.
The ADC described the alleged interference as political sabotage and a direct assault on the constitutional rights of opposition parties to organise and mobilise support ahead of the elections.
“We call on the Sokoto State Government to immediately end all efforts to frustrate our lawful political activities and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties.
We also remind security agencies and other public institutions that their responsibility is to the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not to the political interests of the party in power,” it said.
The party warned that public officials who abuse their authority and obstruct lawful political activities must be prepared to face the consequences of their actions under the law.
“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.
Democratic participation is not a privilege to be granted by a governor. It is a right guaranteed by the Constitution,” it stated.
According to the ADC, growing intolerance of the ruling party towards opposition activities reflects its fear of facing the electorate in a free and fair contest.
“If the ruling party believes it has served the people well, it should have nothing to fear from an open contest.
Intimidation cannot manufacture public support, and obstruction cannot take away the people’s right to choose their leaders.
The people of Sokoto, like all Nigerians, deserve the opportunity to listen to competing ideas and make their own decisions,” the statement added.
The party called on its members, supporters and the people of Sokoto State to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while insisting that it would continue to defend its right to campaign freely in every part of the country.
“The future of Sokoto belongs to the people of Sokoto, not to any governor or political party. No government has the right to veto democracy,” Abdullahi said.
For a better society
_______________________________
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
