A public commentator, Abubakar Sabo, has alleged that hotels in Sokoto State were massively booked by the state government to prevent lodging of visitors coming for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential flag-off.

Sabo, in a write-up circulating on Wednesday, said he received visitors from Abuja and when arrangements were being made to lodge them, he was informed that all hotels in Sokoto had been booked by the state government.

According to him, he inquired if there was any state function that warranted booking all hotels, and was told the booking was done to prevent accommodation for those coming for the ADC event. He further alleged that a particular ministry directed hotels to shut down and asked those who had already booked to vacate.

Describing the development as worrisome, Sabo said a similar incident occurred when the Sokoto Advancement Forum planned to present a paper on drug abuse in the state, alleging that hotels were then instructed not to allow use of their conference halls.

He noted that while he does not believe the governor would personally authorise such action in his right senses, those who allowed the scenario should know that such acts could attract sympathy to those being victimised through government machinery.

Sabo said he does not support any political party, as he does not subscribe to what he described as fake ideologies, but he also does not support government actions that put masses under hardship in an attempt to humiliate a political opponent.

He described the politicking as taken too far and urged relevant authorities to reconsider their actions, warning that aggression could garner more support for the opposition they intend to put to shame.

The writer also criticised the alleged imposition on legitimate businesses, saying it was unfair to coerce hotels to close down or flush out existing customers because an opposition figure is coming to launch his campaign. He questioned whether such action aligns with Islamic principles and said the behaviour has eroded the peaceful and hospitable nature Sokoto is known for.

He advised those in authority to act with conscience, noting that power is temporary and transient, and that office holders will be judged by history.

MainFocus News has not independently verified the allegations of hotel blockade and attempts to get official reaction from the Sokoto State Government were ongoing at the time of filing this report.