The Kebbi State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Abubakar Malami, has strongly condemned alleged intimidation and attacks on members of his campaign team during the party's presidential campaign flag- off in Birnin Kebbi.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami alleged that political thugs attacked members of the campaign convoy, destroyed media equipment, and deployed tear gas around areas occupied by members of the visiting delegation.
He called for a thorough investigation into the incidents, particularly any alleged involvement of government institutions or security agencies.
Malami also called for an impartial investigation into the demolition of the Malami Pressure Group headquarters along Sani Abacha Bypass in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the state government's denial of involvement and claim that the demolition was linked to a private ownership dispute should not prevent transparency and accountability.
According to him, political disagreements should not lead to intimidation, destruction of property or restriction of opposition activities.
He urged the Kebbi State Government, security agencies, and political actors to respect freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, and ensure citizens can participate freely in the political process.
Malami also highlighted banditry, displacement, poverty, food insecurity and disruption of agricultural activities as major challenges confronting Kebbi State.
He called on the government to focus its resources on protecting farmers, improving education and healthcare, reducing hardship and creating opportunities for young people.
Malami urged ADC supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, saying political engagement should stay within the law.
The ADC governorship candidate's allegations have drawn attention to the growing tensions between political actors in Kebbi State ahead of the upcoming elections.