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 said the incident, which reportedly occurred around 9 p.m. on Friday in the Sokoto Airport area, had raised serious concerns about his personal safety and the freedom of political activities in the state.
According to a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the incident happened shortly after the ADC candidate escorted former Sokoto State Governor and Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the airport for his return journey to Abuja following political engagements in the state.
Dan’iya alleged that personnel of the two security outfits blocked his convoy and refused to allow it passage, claiming they were acting on instructions from their superiors not to allow ADC members into Sokoto.
He said efforts by his security team to resolve the confrontation failed, adding that gunshots were fired, his vehicle was damaged and two Department of State Services (DSS) officers attached to his security detail were detained.
The ADC candidate said he escaped the incident but described the alleged actions as a direct threat to his life and an attempt to undermine democratic participation.
He further alleged that earlier in the day, his team had observed increased deployment of the security outfits at entry points into the state, where vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions were allegedly stopped from entering Sokoto.
Dan’iya said the development had heightened concerns that the security deployments could be aimed at restricting the party’s activities and intimidating 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,” he said.
He disclosed that he had personally reported the incident to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, seeking intervention and redress.
The ADC candidate 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, identify those responsible and establish the source of the alleged orders.
He also demanded the immediate release of the two detained DSS officers, if they remained in custody, and urged investigators to preserve and examine available video footage, operational records, witness accounts and relevant firearm reports.
Dan’iya appealed to the Federal Government, National Assembly, human rights organisations and the international community to monitor developments in Sokoto and support the protection of democratic rights.
He also urged the Sokoto State Government to clarify the alleged instructions attributed to the security personnel and ensure that state security outfits operated within the law and remained 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.
Despite the incident, Dan’iya urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation, insisting that neither intimidation nor violence would force him or the party to abandon their political activities.
He maintained that the ADC would continue to pursue its political objectives peacefully and lawfully, urging security agencies to take steps to protect lives and prevent further escalation of political tensions.
When contacted, the Sokoto State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident and said an investigation was ongoing.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Rufa’i Ahmad, confirmed this in response to enquiries.
 governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has called for an urgent){kind=link}