The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing logistical difficulties ahead of its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State, with uncertainty over the rally venue and accommodation for visiting party leaders, according to Northern Nigeria Hub.
Despite the challenges, the party’s state leadership has maintained that the event will proceed on Wednesday, November 4, after arranging transportation and other logistics for supporters expected from different parts of the state.
The difficulties have forced some party members to offer their private residences and guest houses to accommodate visiting officials and supporters following unsuccessful efforts to secure hotel rooms.
Aminu Abdullahi Abubakar, media aide to the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, said party members had made their homes and lodges available for guests arriving ahead of the event.
He also disclosed that several meetings had been held to coordinate preparations, while visitors from Abuja and other states continued to arrive. Among those already in the state were former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and Senator Dino Melaye.
The venue question has also remained unresolved, with conflicting accounts over whether the rally would hold at the Trade Fair Complex or the party’s campaign office along Ahmadu Bello Way.
A party source alleged that the ADC was asked to pay N20 million to use the Trade Fair Complex, adding that the party had agreed to the charge but was still awaiting the account details for payment.
Abubakar said former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had written to the relevant authorities on Monday seeking approval for the proposed venue. He alleged that the party had yet to receive an acknowledgement of the request as of Tuesday evening.
The controversy followed the earlier sealing of the ADC office by the state government, although the facility was reportedly reopened on Tuesday after renovation work was carried out.
The party’s state Vice-Chairman, Bello Isyaku Keegan, said preparations had reached an advanced stage, including the distribution of transport funds and campaign materials to members travelling from various local government areas.
He added that some supporters had secured accommodation in Sokoto, while others had made arrangements to stay in Birnin Kebbi before travelling for the rally.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command said it had deployed personnel and gathered intelligence to prevent violence during the political gathering.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said security arrangements had been put in place to maintain public order and ensure the rally proceeded peacefully.
He also explained that security personnel were deployed around the ADC office to prevent a possible confrontation over the disputed property.
