2027: Arewa Group Petitions British High Commission Over Alleged Political Violence, Sokoto ADC Office Sealing

A group known as Arewa Transformational Leaders Forum, has petitioned the British High Commission in Abuja, over alleged political violence in Sokoto state ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for Wednesday.

In a petition dated November 3, 2026 and signed by Muhammed Umar, the forum called for diplomatic intervention and accused Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of allegedly suppressing opposition participation.

The forum alleged that on Monday, November 2, 2026 – barely 48 hours to the presidential campaign flag-off – the Sokoto State Government sealed the ADC campaign office designated as the venue for the event.

The Arewa Transformational Leaders Forum described the action as the use of governmental authority for partisan suppression.

“An elected government cannot legitimately close the political space through which others seek a democratic mandate,” it said.

The group further alleged that on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, women participating in a peaceful ADC solidarity procession were attacked and sustained serious injuries.

The forum identified one Aliyu ‘KC’ and his associates, described as a well-known political thug of the APC as responsible, and demanded impartial investigation, arrest and prosecution.

“On October 30, 2026, the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate, His Excellency Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, was allegedly attacked by Sokoto State Security Outfits”.

The forum raised alarm over what it called mysterious and deeply troubling circumstances surrounding the release of Aliyu KC and his associates from prison, and their subsequent alleged involvement in attacks.

It demanded investigation into the date and legal basis of their release, the authority that approved it, any conditions attached, and involvement of public officials or political intermediaries, including court orders, release warrants or instruments of executive clemency.

“The sequence of release followed by political violence raises serious questions about political protection and the integrity of the release process,” the petition said.

The group also drew attention to unverified reports that APC stakeholders have mobilised political thugs to disrupt ADC activities and that motorcycles have been procured for their operations, but said it distinguishes these warnings from established findings and wants immediate investigation and preventive protection.

The forum linked the situation to insecurity, noting that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office currently advises against all travel to Sokoto State, arguing that politically protected violence weakens lawful institutions and emboldens coercive groups.

It asked the British High Commission and other diplomatic missions to: “engage urgently with Sokoto State Government and federal authorities to secure peaceful political participation before, during and after November 4, with impartial security protection for participants, journalists, residents and property.

“Blacklist identified perpetrators and sponsors on the basis of credible evidence, through visa refusals or revocations, travel restrictions and other applicable sanctions under UK laws;

“Press for independent investigations into attacks on women and the governorship candidate, circumstances of Aliyu KC’s release, and recruitment, financing, equipping or protection of perpetrators, including motorcycle-procurement reports;

“Seek immediate explanation of the office sealing, including its legal basis and urge reopening unless lawful justification is established;

“Monitor developments and seek accountability through engagement with affected persons, legal practitioners and civil society, with safeguards against witness retaliation.”

It added that:”Sokoto belongs to its people. No governor, former governor, or ruling party owns its political space.”

As at press time, the Sokoto State Government, Senator Wamakko and the APC were yet to respond to the allegations. Efforts to get their reaction were ongoing.

The group said it requested an urgent opportunity to brief political and human-rights officers of the High Commission and urged all parties to reject retaliation and support peaceful participation.