Sokoto Seals ADC Campaign Office Over Property Ownership Row

Officials in Sokoto State have closed an African Democratic Congress office following incidents of violence reported at the site. On Monday, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, the State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, announced this action.

He stressed that protecting residents and averting additional clashes between party supporters and other groups prompted the decision. According to Dantsoho's account, documents governing the building were examined by government personnel.

They determined that the defunct Savannah Bank originally held title to this property. No formal documentation currently exists showing that ownership transferred from the bank to any other entity, the commissioner said.

The government has therefore reached out to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, which manages assets from defunct financial institutions, for information about who currently possesses legal authority over the building. Disturbances involving ADC members and persons referred to as miscreants sparked the government's intervention.

Dantsoho noted that state authorities acted to contain the situation and maintain order among residents in that area. As part of its ownership inquiry, the commissioner's department studied the Certificate of Occupancy along with other supporting documents attached to the property.

Electoral cycles ahead make such disputes particularly significant in the Sokoto context, where political activity remains contentious. The ADC has not publicly responded to the government's move so far.

How the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation responds to the government's request will likely influence whether the sealed office reopens or whether the ADC must await final settlement of ownership before regaining entry.