Tension is rising in Sokoto State ahead of a planned campaign rally by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar accusing the Department of State Services (DSS) of plotting to disrupt it.

Atiku's allegation

In a statement on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Atiku alleged that the leadership of the DSS was recruiting people to stage protests in Sokoto in order to create disorder. He claimed hired protesters were being gathered at an office on Koko Road and sent out in trucks to key locations in the city. He also said public facilities had been blocked and logistical support withheld to frustrate the ADC's campaign, and warned that security officials who help suppress political freedom would be held to account under the law. He said the rally would go ahead. The DSS had not responded publicly to the claims at the time of reporting.

Campaign office sealed

Separately, the Sokoto State Government sealed an ADC campaign office on Ahmadu Bello Way on Monday, 2 November. Commissioner for Land and Housing Nasiru Dantsoho said records showed the building, once used by the defunct Savannah Bank and previously by the PDP, still belonged to the bank, and that the state had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation to clarify its ownership. He said the premises were sealed after a disturbance involving party supporters and others, to prevent further trouble. A media aide to the ADC governorship candidate confirmed the closure.

Background

Sokoto is governed by the APC. Opposition parties have complained of attacks and obstacles to their campaigns in several states, and an ADC candidate's convoy was attacked in Sokoto in recent weeks. The APC and state governments have generally denied using state agencies against opponents.

What happens next

Security agencies are expected to be on alert as the ADC presses ahead with its rally.

The campaign of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar says President Bola Tinubu's recent Umrah in Saudi Arabia will not guarantee him a second term.

What was said

Speaking on a television politics programme on Monday night, 2 November 2026, Phrank Shaibu, director of strategic communication for the ADC presidential campaign council, reportedly said political mandates cannot be won through religious display. He argued that pilgrimage should be a personal matter, not something publicised as a national event by political supporters, and said Nigerians would make their choice in 2027 based on the cost of living rather than prayers abroad. Asked whether Atiku would have joined Tinubu if invited, he said the former vice-president had supported Tinubu's earlier trips to Mecca. He also claimed Atiku was in a strong position in the North.

The President's side

Tinubu left Abuja for Makkah on 29 October. He described the trip as a chance to seek divine guidance, wisdom and resilience, and said that before the 2023 election he had performed Umrah and promised to return to give thanks if his prayers were answered. During the visit he was granted the rare privilege of entering the Kaaba, where he said he prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria. The Presidency has rejected claims that the trip was for medical reasons.

Background

The trip has drawn comment across the political spectrum. Former senator Dino Melaye challenged Tinubu to a Quran recitation contest, while Oyo governor Seyi Makinde asked the Presidency to explain the purpose of the journey. APC supporters have welcomed the visit and the honour extended by the Saudi leadership.

A video of a Catholic priest leading worshippers in a song backing NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has spread widely on social media.

What the video shows

In the clip, reportedly filmed during a Sunday service, the priest leads the congregation in an Igbo song saying the party of Obi and Kwankwaso is better, and the worshippers sing along. The priest's name and the location of the church have not been confirmed. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which ratified Obi as its presidential candidate in May, shared the video.

Religious leaders and politics

The video comes as religious leaders across Nigeria increasingly declare support for or against candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. According to reports, a separate bishops' conference has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, while an Islamic cleric was reported to have urged Muslims to vote along religious lines. Last week, a Catholic bishop warned politicians against trying to manipulate the electoral system, and a priest urged Nigerians to collect their voter cards instead of complaining.

How people reacted

Obi's supporters celebrated the video, while critics said churches should not be used for partisan campaigns and warned that such displays could deepen religious and ethnic divisions. Others said priests, like all citizens, are entitled to their political views.

Background

Electoral rules prohibit the use of places of worship for political campaigns, although enforcement has historically been rare. The Catholic Church has not publicly commented on the video.

The campaign of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has rejected a viral social media report claiming that he had been hospitalised after breaking his neck in a gym accident.

What the camp said

Obi's spokesman, Idris Zekeri, reportedly described the report and the photographs shared with it as completely false, in comments published on Monday, 2 November 2026. He said he was with the former Anambra governor on Sunday morning before Obi boarded a flight for an international engagement. Zekeri accused political opponents of making up the story to cause confusion among Obi's supporters ahead of the 2027 election.

Background

False health claims about political figures have become common in the run-up to the January 2027 elections. Last week, the Presidency rejected claims by activist Omoyele Sowore that President Bola Tinubu travelled to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment, saying he went for Umrah. Fact-checkers have also debunked a clip that claimed Obi said he could not defeat Tinubu. Obi, who is running with Rabiu Kwankwaso, has been touring states including Nasarawa and Ebonyi in recent days.

Why it matters

Observers say fake stories and doctored images can mislead voters, and INEC's chairman warned on Monday that cheap AI tools are making such material easier to produce. Voters are being urged to check claims with official sources before sharing them.

What happens next

Obi is expected to resume campaigning when he returns from his trip.