BREAKING: Sokoto ADC Governorship Candidate Escapes Attack As Gunmen Open Fire On Convoy

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has raised the alarm over an alleged threat to his life following an attack on his convoy.

In a statement by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya alleged that the attack was carried out by personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.

He said the incident reportedly occurred at about 9pm on Friday at the Sokoto Airport area after he escorted Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport for his return journey to Abuja following political engagements in the state.

Dan’iya described the incident as a dangerous escalation of political hostility and an unacceptable threat to democratic participation, while noting that personnel of the two state security outfits blocked his convoy and refused to allow it to pass, claiming they were acting on orders from above not to allow ADC members into Sokoto.

According to him, efforts by his security team to resolve the confrontation failed, gunshots were fired, his vehicle was smashed, and two Department of State Services (DSS) officers attached to his team were detained.

Dan’iya said he escaped but regarded the actions as a direct threat to his safety.

The ADC candidate said earlier on Friday that he and his team observed an increased presence of Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard personnel at entry points into the state, where vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions were allegedly being stopped from entering.

He said the convoy initially understood the deployments to be routine security measures but now feared they might be part of a deliberate attempt to restrict ADC activities and endanger its leadership.

“If security personnel can block a gubernatorial candidate, fire gunshots during a confrontation, damage his vehicle and detain officers assigned to his protection, then the people of Sokoto deserve urgent answers. No one should be above the law, and no security outfit should be used to threaten political opponents,” Dan’iya said.

He said he had reported the incident to the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto.

Dan’iya called on the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident immediately, determine who issued the orders, identify those responsible for any unlawful conduct, and ensure the prompt release of the two detained DSS officers.

He also demanded that evidence, including available footage, operational records, witness accounts and firearm reports, be preserved and examined.

The ADC candidate called on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, human rights institutions and the international community to pay urgent attention to the situation and support the protection of democratic freedoms.

He urged the Sokoto State Government to clarify the alleged instructions attributed to the security personnel and ensure that state security outfits operate within the law and remain politically neutral.

“Sokoto is not the property of any government or political party. Every Nigerian has the right to enter the state, move freely and participate in lawful political activities. Any order intended to exclude ADC members from Sokoto would be unacceptable and must be investigated,” he said.

Dan’iya said intimidation or violence would not force him or the ADC to abandon lawful political activities.

He urged supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation.

When called for confirmation, PPRO Sokoto State Police Command DSP Ahmed Rufai didn’t pick up his calls.