2027: Sokoto Govt Seals ADC Office As Zamfara APC Primary Turns Violent
Political tension escalated in the North-West on Monday as the Sokoto State Government sealed the campaign office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while violence erupted during the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in neighbouring Zamfara State.
The developments came amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising fresh concerns over political tolerance, security and internal party disputes in the region.
In Sokoto, the state government ordered the indefinite closure of the ADC campaign office, less than 48 hours before the party’s presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for Wednesday, November 4.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasir Aliyu Dantsoho, announced the closure during a visit to the premises on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The action represents a fresh escalation of the disagreement between the ADC and the Sokoto State Government over the party’s decision to host its presidential campaign flag-off in the state capital.
The ADC had initially scheduled the event for October 31 but moved it to November 4 following the state government's objection to the proposed gathering.
ADC Alleges Attacks, Intimidation
The ADC has accused the state government of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation and attacks against its members and supporters.
Addressing journalists at the party's headquarters on Sunday, the state chairman and Director-General of its governorship campaign, Alhaji Bello Muhammad Goronyo, alleged that ADC women supporters were attacked during a solidarity march on October 28.
He claimed that their phones were seized, clothes torn and vehicles vandalised.
Goronyo further alleged that the party's campaign office was attacked the same day, resulting in smashed windows and doors, looted property and the destruction of three motorcycles.
He also accused suspected political thugs of destroying the party's billboards, posters and other campaign materials across the state.
According to him, the ADC governorship candidate was attacked on October 30, while gunshots were allegedly fired at the airport as party leaders arrived.
The chairman also claimed that hotels had cancelled reservations for ADC delegates following alleged pressure from the state government.
He further alleged that security personnel attached to the Sokoto Community Guard Corps and Sokoto Marshals had been directed to prevent the party's supporters from entering the state ahead of the campaign flag-off.
Goronyo linked the alleged attacks to the release of two individuals reportedly associated with political thuggery, identifying one Aliyu K.C. and his associates in connection with the incidents.
Government Yet To Explain Office Closure
The sealing of the ADC campaign office has sparked another round of controversy, with the party insisting that the action will not derail its planned presidential campaign event.
As of the time of filing this report, the state government had not issued an official explanation for the closure.
However, sources within the Ministry of Lands reportedly suggested that the action might be connected to alleged violations of land title and building permit regulations.
Despite the development, the ADC maintained that it would proceed with its November 4 campaign flag-off.
Goronyo called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Federal Government to investigate the alleged attacks and provide adequate security for the party's candidates and supporters.
Zamfara APC Primary Sparks Violence
Meanwhile, political tension boiled over in neighbouring Zamfara State as angry youths disrupted the APC primary election for the Zamfara North Senatorial District in Kaura Namoda.
The local government chairman, Hon. Mannir Haidara, reportedly narrowly escaped an attack after youths opposed to his preferred candidate confronted him at the primary venue on Monday.
The incident occurred while Haidara was addressing delegates and urging them to support the incumbent senator, Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura.
However, supporters of his challenger, Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, reportedly rejected the appeal and insisted on backing their preferred aspirant.
Eyewitnesses said the youths became agitated, shouting at the council chairman and attempting to attack him over allegations of bias and imposition.
Security operatives, including police officers stationed at the venue, intervened and rescued Haidara from the angry crowd.
The contest is between Senators Sahabi Ya’u Kaura and Tijjani Yahaya Kaura for the APC ticket to represent Zamfara North Senatorial District, comprising Kaura Namoda, Birnin Magaji, Shinkafi and Zurmi local government areas.
Although calm was reportedly restored after the intervention of security personnel, officers maintained a heavy presence at the venue.
Efforts to obtain Haidara's reaction were unsuccessful, as his telephone was switched off.
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