ADC Gives Sokoto 24 Hours To Fish Out Attackers Of Governorship Candidate

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has given security authorities in Sokoto State 24 hours to fish out those responsible for the alleged attack on its governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya.

The council also demanded the immediate release of two Department of State Services (DSS) personnel allegedly abducted during the incident.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC said the attack occurred yesterday along Airport Road, Sokoto, as Dan Iya was returning to the city after accompanying former governor of the state and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, from the airport.

It alleged that operatives of the state-owned security outfit, Sokoto Marshals, attacked the candidate’s convoy, vandalising and extensively damaging several vehicles, including his personal Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The council further alleged that operatives of the outfit had been stationed at various historic gates into Sokoto metropolis, harassing motorists and targeting vehicles bearing ADC posters, insignia and other party symbols.

It said the incident had been formally reported to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police by the governorship candidate.

The ADC-PCC described the attack as an act of political intimidation, alleging that it was part of a growing pattern of harassment and violence against its members and opposition figures across the country.

It recalled similar incidents recently reported in Kaduna and other states, warning that the alleged deployment of a taxpayer-funded security outfit against political opponents posed a threat to democratic freedoms.

The council called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to investigate the incident, arrest those responsible and ensure the safety of its candidate and members.

It gave the authorities 24 hours to rein in the alleged perpetrators and commence decisive action, warning that failure to do so would compel the party leadership to take further lawful steps to protect its members and defend their political rights.

The ADC-PCC, however, reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement and the rule of law, insisting that opposition parties must be allowed to participate in the democratic process without intimidation or violence.