Political tension has escalated in Sokoto State after Salihu Tanko Yakasai, Deputy Director-General of Diversity and Support Groups in the Atiku–Amaechi 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, issued a direct warning to the state government over reported difficulties securing a venue for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign rally.
Yakasai challenged the Sokoto State Government to allow the campaign to use the ADC office for the event or face the possibility of the campaign holding its rally at the Government House.
In a strongly worded statement, he declared: “Either allow Atiku to hold his campaign at our ADC office since you have denied us the rally venue, or we will come to the Government House and hold it there! The choice is yours, Sokoto State Government.”
The warning comes amid an escalating dispute between the ADC and the Sokoto State Government over preparations for the party’s presidential campaign flag-off, now scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The controversy intensified after the state government sealed an ADC campaign office at the old Savannah Bank building along Ahmadu Bello Way in Sokoto metropolis.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, said the government acted after reviewing documents indicating that the property originally belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank, with no official record of a change in ownership.
He explained that the government had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which it identified as the custodian of the property, to establish its current ownership. The premises, he said, would remain sealed pending clarification.
The commissioner also cited the need to prevent further disturbances and protect lives and property, warning against unauthorised attempts to access the building.
The ADC, however, has accused the state government of frustrating its campaign preparations, including alleged restrictions on hotel accommodation for visiting delegates and difficulties securing a rally venue.
The party had earlier alleged that some delegates who had booked and checked into hotels were asked to leave. The Sokoto State Government denied directing hotels to reject ADC supporters, maintaining that hotel operators run independent commercial businesses.
The party also reported attacks on its supporters during political activities in the state and called on security agencies to investigate the allegations.
The unfolding dispute has raised concerns about the ability of political parties to organise campaigns and rallies without intimidation, confrontation or unnecessary restrictions as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
With the ADC insisting on proceeding with its Sokoto campaign flag-off, attention is now on the state government and security agencies to clarify the venue arrangements and prevent further escalation.
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