Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Sokoto State Government and security officials of plotting to disrupt his party’s campaign rally in the state.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Atiku alleged that protesters were being mobilised to cause trouble, create traffic and give the government an excuse to impose a curfew and stop the rally.
He also accused the state government of denying the ADC access to public facilities and refusing to provide logistical support for its campaign. He described the alleged actions as attempts to deny the party a fair chance ahead of the 2027 elections.
“More disturbing still, the information available to us is that the leadership of the Department of State Services is recruiting people to stage protests in Sokoto,” he said.
Atiku claimed that some protesters were gathered behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, while trucks were sent to strategic locations, including a roundabout. He alleged that they were causing traffic, threatening commuters and beating residents.
“This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform,” the former vice president said.
He accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of weakening opposition parties through intimidation and efforts to bring opposition figures into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly pushing Nigeria towards a one-party state.
Atiku also criticised the rising cost of food, transport, fuel and electricity, promising that an ADC government would boost local production, create jobs and reduce business costs. He proposed a targeted production subsidy linked to fuel refined in Nigeria.
He further accused the APC of resorting to intimidation after its poor performance at its recent Kaduna rally.
Despite the alleged obstacles, Atiku insisted that the ADC would continue its campaign.
“The ADC will resist every gimmick, administrative roadblock and underhand manoeuvre designed to exclude the opposition or impose a one-party reality on Nigeria,” he said.
He confirmed plans to visit Sokoto on Wednesday to address supporters and urged residents to remain peaceful.
He also called on security agencies to protect residents, commuters and rally participants without bias. He warned that officers involved in suppressing political freedom would face the law, while promising to support those who refused to work against democracy.
“The 2027 general election will be a defining moment in our democratic history. This is more than a contest between parties or candidates. It is a choice between a government that has shown indifference to people’s suffering and Nigerians who have endured enough and want their votes to count,” he said.
