The Sokoto State Government has sealed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) state office and campaign office located at the former Savannah Bank building in Sokoto metropolis, just days before the party’s scheduled campaign flag-off in the state.
The development has intensified political tension in Sokoto, with Amnesty International condemning the government’s action and raising concerns over the rights of opposition parties to conduct their political activities.
The state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, reportedly led government officials to seal the premises on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Explaining the government’s decision, Dantsoho said a review of the property’s Certificate of Occupancy and other relevant documents indicated that the building originally belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank.
He stated that the government had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to clarify the property’s ownership but had yet to receive a response.
According to the commissioner, the decision to seal the premises was taken to prevent further disturbances, protect lives and property, and maintain public order.
He added that the building would remain sealed pending clarification of its ownership and warned against unauthorised access to the property.
The closure comes amid allegations by the ADC that the Sokoto State Government has been frustrating its preparations for the party’s November 4 campaign flag-off.
The party had earlier accused the government of putting pressure on hotel operators to cancel accommodation arrangements made by its supporters and delegates ahead of the rally. The state government denied directing hotels to reject ADC members.
The development also follows a reported attack on the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, popularly known as Walin Sokoto, on October 30.
Dan’iya reportedly escaped unhurt during the incident, which allegedly occurred near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto. He accused security personnel of obstructing his convoy and damaging vehicles during the confrontation.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident and said an investigation had commenced. The state APC leadership, however, dismissed the allegations of political intimidation.
Reacting to the sealing of the ADC office, Amnesty International condemned the government’s action, describing it as an attempt to suppress opposition activities and undermine democratic freedoms.
The organisation raised concerns over the implications of the closure for political participation and freedom of association, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The sealing of the premises has further heightened tensions between the ruling APC and the opposition ADC in Sokoto, with attention now focused on the government’s next steps and whether the party’s November 4 campaign flag-off will proceed as scheduled.
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