By Gbolahan Salman
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has accused the Sokoto Marshal and the state Community Guard of attacking his convoy, firing gunshots and detaining two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.
Dan’iya alleged that the incident happened around 9pm on Friday near the Sokoto Airport shortly after he escorted former Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the airport for his return to Abuja.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC candidate claimed that personnel of the two security outfits blocked his convoy and prevented it from proceeding, allegedly insisting that they were acting on orders from above to stop ADC members from entering the state.
He said the confrontation escalated despite efforts by his security team to resolve the disagreement, resulting in gunshots, damage to his vehicle and the arrest of two DSS operatives attached to his security detail.
Describing the incident as a threat to his life and an attempt to intimidate opposition politicians, Dan’iya demanded an investigation into the conduct of the security personnel.
“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.
The ADC candidate alleged that the incident was preceded by increased deployment of Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard personnel at entry points into the state.
He claimed that vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions were being stopped from entering Sokoto, adding that his convoy initially regarded the deployments as routine security operations.
However, he said the alleged confrontation near the airport raised concerns about a possible attempt to restrict the movement and political activities of opposition members.
Dan’iya said he had reported the incident to the state Commissioner of Police, seeking intervention and justice.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident, identify those who allegedly issued the orders and secure the release of the two DSS operatives if they remained in custody.
He also urged investigators to preserve video recordings, operational records, witness accounts and firearm reports to ensure a credible investigation. The ADC candidate further appealed to the Federal Government, National Assembly, human rights organisations and the international community to intervene, warning against the use of state security outfits to intimidate political opponents.
“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 added.
Despite the allegations, Dan’iya urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation, assuring them that the party would not abandon its political activities.
“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 said.
When contacted, the Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, initially said he had just received information about the incident and was making efforts to establish the facts.
He later confirmed the incident, saying the command had commenced an investigation.
“The command is aware of the incident. We are investigating,” Rufai said.
