In a rather defiant note, main opposition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), has vowed to proceed with its scheduled campaign in Sokoto despite what it described as rising political obstruction of its activities in the caliphate state.
National publicity secretary of the ADC,
Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement issued on Tuesday,pointed accusing fingers at the Sokoto state government for deliberately attempting to intimidate the opposition and undermine the democratic rights of Nigerians.
Abdullahi stated that the state governor would be held responsible if any violence was aimed at the opposition in Sokoto.
“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,” reads the statement.
“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.
“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.”
The spokesperson of the ADC fired a warning that public officials who abuse their authority and obstruct lawful political activities must get ready to face the legal consequences of their actions under the law, no matter the duration.
“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,” he said.
“Democratic participation is not a privilege to be granted by a governor. It is a right guaranteed by the Constitution.”
The ADC mouthpiece stated that the APC’s rising intolerance of activities of opposition showed its fear of facing the electorate in a free and fair battle.
“If the ruling party believes it has served the people well, it should have nothing to fear from an open contest,” he said.
“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 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 added.
Abdullahi’s comments follow the sealing of ADC’s campaign office by the Sokoto state government over an alleged ownership dispute.
Commissioner for lands and housing,
Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the sealing of the building on Monday, noting that the action came after a recent dispute involving supporters of different political parties in Sokoto state.
