The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has called for an urgent investigation into an alleged attack on him and his convoy by personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard.
Dan’iya alleged that the incident occurred at about 9 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, around the Sokoto Airport area, shortly after he escorted Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport for his return trip to Abuja.
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC candidate described the incident as a serious threat to his life and an escalation of political hostility in the state.
He alleged that personnel of the two state security outfits blocked his convoy and prevented it from proceeding, claiming they were acting on orders from above to stop ADC members from entering Sokoto State.
According to Dan’iya, efforts by his security team to resolve the confrontation failed, while gunshots were allegedly fired, his vehicle was damaged and two Department of State Services (DSS) officers attached to his security team were detained.
He said he escaped from the scene but expressed concern over what he described as a direct threat to his personal safety and the freedom of political participation in the state.
The ADC candidate further disclosed that earlier on Friday, he and his team had observed an increased deployment of Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard personnel at entry points into the state.
He alleged that vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions were being stopped from entering Sokoto, adding that the convoy initially considered the deployment a routine security measure but now suspected a deliberate attempt to restrict the party’s activities.
“If security personnel can block a governorship candidate, fire gunshots during a confrontation, damage his vehicle and detain officers assigned to his protection, then the people of Sokoto deserve urgent answers,” he said.
Dan’iya maintained that no security agency should be used to intimidate political opponents, stressing that those responsible for any unlawful conduct must be held accountable.
He confirmed that he had personally visited the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police to report the incident, present his account of what happened and seek redress.
He called on the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, identify those who issued the purported orders and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He also demanded the immediate release of the two detained DSS officers, if they remained in custody, and urged authorities to preserve and examine relevant evidence, including video footage, operational records, witness accounts and firearm reports.
The ADC candidate further appealed to the Federal Government, the National Assembly, human rights organisations and the international community to pay attention to the situation and support efforts to protect democratic rights in Sokoto State.
He urged the state government to clarify the alleged directives attributed to the security personnel and ensure that all state security outfits operate within the law without political interference.
Dan’iya insisted that every Nigerian had the constitutional right to enter Sokoto State, move freely and participate in lawful political activities, irrespective of political affiliation.
He also urged ADC supporters to remain calm, avoid retaliation and allow the relevant authorities to investigate the matter.
“We will not be intimidated, and we will not surrender our democratic rights. We will continue to pursue our political mission peacefully and lawfully,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed receiving a report concerning the incident.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ahmad Rufai, said the police had received a report about the incident at the Sokoto International Airport and assured that appropriate action would be taken.
He added that anyone found culpable in the incident would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The police spokesperson’s statement did not provide further details about the incident or address the specific allegations made by the ADC candidate.
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