The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has finally announced the venue for the flag-off of its presidential campaign in Sokoto State after days of controversy over alleged attempts to frustrate the event.
The party’s Presidential Campaign Coordinator in Sokoto State, Senator Ibrahim Lamido, disclosed that the campaign kick-off would hold at the ADC secretariat, No. 1 Ilorin Road, Sokoto, on Wednesday.
Lamido said party members and dignitaries were already making preparations for the event, which will feature the arrival of the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement on Tuesday, he said Atiku was expected to arrive at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, by 9am.
He urged party supporters and members of the public to turn out at the airport to welcome the former vice-president before proceeding to the campaign venue.
Lamido also called on party executives across the 23 local government areas and wards, mobilisation coordinators, support groups, women and youth organisations to activate their structures and ensure massive participation.
The announcement followed days of uncertainty over the venue after the opposition party alleged intimidation and attempts to suppress its campaign activities.
The controversy intensified following an alleged attack on the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on Friday night.
Dan’iya reportedly escaped unhurt after gunmen opened fire on his convoy.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) denied allegations linking it to the incident.
Three days after the attack, an ADC campaign office was also sealed, while the party alleged that the Sokoto State Government had denied it access to a suitable venue for its campaign flag-off.
On Tuesday night, Atiku further alleged that the APC and the Department of State Services (DSS) were plotting to frustrate the inaugural ADC presidential campaign.
However, the secret service denied the allegation.
The unveiling of the venue ends days of uncertainty surrounding where the opposition party would hold its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto.
