Senator Ibrahim Lamido, the ADC Presidential Campaign Coordinator in Sokoto State, disclosed that the campaign flag-off would take place on Wednesday at the party’s state secretariat, located at No. 1 Ilorin Road, Sokoto.
Lamido also announced that the party’s presidential candidate and former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, would arrive at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, at 9am ahead of the campaign programme.
In a statement announcing the arrangements, Lamido called on party members, supporters and residents of the state to turn out in large numbers to welcome Atiku at the airport before proceeding to the campaign venue.
He also urged party executives across the 23 local government areas and their respective wards to mobilise supporters and ensure massive participation in the event.
The campaign coordinator specifically called on mobilisation coordinators, support groups, women and youth organisations to activate their structures and demonstrate the party’s readiness to participate actively in the 2027 general elections.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of growing tensions between the ADC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State over allegations of intimidation and attempts to obstruct the opposition party’s campaign activities.
The ADC had initially withheld information about the venue for its presidential campaign flag-off following concerns that its members were being intimidated and that efforts were allegedly being made to frustrate the party’s activities in the state.
The situation reportedly escalated after the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, narrowly escaped unhurt when gunmen allegedly opened fire on his convoy near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on Friday night.
The incident raised concerns among party members and supporters, with the ADC accusing political opponents of creating an atmosphere of insecurity ahead of its campaign activities.
However, the APC denied allegations that it was responsible for the reported attack.
Three days after the incident, the ADC alleged that its campaign office had been sealed, further heightening tensions between the opposition party and the state authorities.
The party also accused the Sokoto State Government of denying it access to a suitable venue for its presidential campaign flag-off, describing the development as an attempt to undermine its constitutional right to participate in political activities.
The controversy took another turn on Tuesday night when Atiku alleged that the APC and the Department of State Services (DSS) were plotting to frustrate the ADC’s inaugural presidential campaign activities in Sokoto.
The former Vice-President expressed concern over what he described as efforts to restrict the opposition party’s political activities, warning against actions capable of undermining democratic participation and political competition.
The DSS, however, subsequently dismissed Atiku’s allegation, denying any involvement in a plot to obstruct the ADC’s campaign.
Despite the reported disagreements and security concerns, the ADC’s announcement of No. 1 Ilorin Road as the venue for its campaign flag-off signals the party’s determination to proceed with its political mobilisation in Sokoto.
The planned arrival of Atiku at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport is also expected to provide an opportunity for party supporters from across the state to demonstrate their support for the presidential candidate.
The development comes as political parties intensify preparations and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For the ADC, the Sokoto campaign flag-off represents an important step in its efforts to strengthen its presence in the North-West and present Atiku’s presidential ambition to voters across the region.
However, the security concerns and allegations surrounding the party’s activities have brought renewed attention to the need for political tolerance, equal treatment of opposition parties and protection of democratic rights during the electoral process.
The party has urged its members and supporters to remain committed to the campaign, while the announced venue provides a clear location for Wednesday’s scheduled event.
