The African Democratic Congress has postponed its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State, earlier scheduled for Saturday, October 31, to Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
A chieftain of the party, who sought anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter, disclosed the development to our correspondent on Wednesday.
When contacted, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a terse WhatsApp message, said, “It’s definitely not Saturday. But the new date needs to be confirmed definitely.”
The postponement was also announced in a statement issued by the ADC Presidential Campaign Council in Sokoto State, which attributed the decision to planning and coordination considerations.
“The decision follows the need to address certain planning and coordination considerations to ensure the successful conduct of the event,” the statement read.
The development comes amid allegations by the ADC that the Sokoto State Government directed hotels in the state capital to deny accommodation to delegates expected to attend the campaign flag-off.
The party had alleged that some delegates who had already secured accommodation and checked into hotels were being asked to leave following the purported directive.
The campaign council, in its announcement of the postponement, apologised to party leaders, stakeholders, supporters and members of the public for any inconvenience the change might cause.
“The campaign council regrets any inconvenience the change may cause and sincerely appreciates the understanding, patience and continued support of party leaders, stakeholders, supporters and members of the public,” the statement added.
The council urged party members and other stakeholders to take note of the new date, expressing readiness to welcome political leaders, supporters and other guests to the event.
The postponement comes as political parties intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ADC seeking to mobilise supporters and strengthen its political presence in Sokoto State.
The party had accused the Sokoto State Government of allegedly restricting hotel accommodation for its delegates ahead of the party’s presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for Saturday in Sokoto.
The party also accused suspected supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress of attacking its members during a rally involving about 5,000 women and youths in the state capital.
The allegations have heightened political tension in Sokoto ahead of the campaign event, which is expected to attract the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, former governor and senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, and other national and state leaders.
