The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted that its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State will proceed on November 4, despite reported incidents of violence, intimidation and alleged attempts to obstruct its political activities.
The ADC Director General Campaign Council, Bello Goronyo, stated this in a press conference, amid rising political tension following an alleged attack on its governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, at the Sultan Abubakar The III International Airport, Sokoto, on October, 30th.
According to him, the decision to proceed with the event was in exercise of its constitutional rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and political participation.
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He called on its supporters across the country to remain calm, peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding, while urging security agencies to provide adequate protection for participants at the campaign flag-off.
Goronyo also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant authorities to ensure that the event proceeds without interference.
“No threat, intimidation or unlawful obstruction would prevent it from organising its political activities and campaigning for its candidates,” he said.
Pursue Accountability
He urged members of the party not to take the law into their hands, stressing that the party would pursue accountability through lawful means.
Goronyo further called on civil society organisations, human rights groups, the media and the international community to monitor developments in Sokoto and support the protection of democratic freedoms.
“Political competition should be determined by policies, ideas, performance and the will of voters rather than violence, intimidation or obstruction,” he said.
The Director General of the campaign council also urged authorities to ensure that state-owned security outfits remained politically neutral and focused on their public responsibilities.
