ADC names Sokoto secretariat as venue for Atiku campaign launch

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has named its secretariat on Ilorin Road in Sokoto as the venue for Wednesday’s presidential campaign launch for Atiku Abubakar.

Senator Ibrahim Lamido, the party’s presidential campaign coordinator in Sokoto State, announced the location in a statement inviting supporters to the event. In a separate statement, the ADC accused the state government of obstructing its activities. The state government sealed the party’s Sokoto office this week.

Lamido asked supporters to receive Abubakar at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport before proceeding to the secretariat at No. 1 Ilorin Road. He urged party executives across the state’s 23 local government areas to mobilise members.

Sokoto police spokesperson Ahmed Rufai told Punch that the command had received the organisers’ request for security and had been directed to provide protection. He said police had not yet been told the venue when he spoke.

The preparations also follow an alleged attack on ADC candidate Manir Muhammad Dan’iya’s convoy, which police said they were investigating.

Lands and Housing Commissioner Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho defended the sealing, Punch reported. He said it followed a violent confrontation between Peoples Democratic Party and ADC supporters at the premises and a security report warning of possible further violence.

He said the government had approached the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation to clarify the property’s ownership because it remained registered to the defunct Savannah Bank.

Sources: ADC statement; Daily Trust; Daily Post; Punch