ADC raises concern over Sokoto political tension as governorship candidate escapes airport attack
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for urgent intervention by security authorities in Sokoto State following an alleged attack on its governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport.
The opposition party accused some government-linked security operatives of involvement in the incident, warning that the situation could worsen political tension in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dan’iya, popularly known as Walin Sokoto, was reportedly attacked on Friday, October 30, shortly after arriving at the airport. His convoy was allegedly confronted by armed men who reportedly fired gunshots and damaged some of the vehicles.
The ADC raised the allegations during a press briefing, where its Sokoto State Governorship Campaign Council Director-General, Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, called on relevant authorities to investigate the incident.
The party specifically alleged that members of the Sokoto Marshals and Community Guards, security outfits established by the state government, were involved in the confrontation. It also claimed that two DSS operatives assigned to protect the candidate were taken into custody.
Beyond the airport incident, the ADC accused some individuals of repeatedly disrupting its political activities in the state.
It alleged that female members of the party were attacked during a solidarity march on October 28, leaving some participants injured. Their mobile phones were reportedly taken, while vehicles were also vandalised.
The party further claimed that its campaign office was targeted on the same day, with motorcycles and campaign materials destroyed. It also reported the removal of its campaign posters and billboards from several locations.
In another allegation, the ADC said some hotel owners who had agreed to provide accommodation for its political activities were pressured to withdraw their bookings. According to the party, some operators were threatened over their willingness to host its events.
Reacting to the developments, the party warned against turning Sokoto into a state where opposition groups cannot freely exercise their democratic rights.
It argued that government security institutions should not be used to intimidate political opponents, stressing that their responsibility was to protect all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
“The ADC is a peaceful political party committed to democratic principles, political tolerance, constitutional freedoms and the rule of law,” the statement declared, adding that its commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness or surrender of its constitutional rights.
The party subsequently demanded that the Inspector-General of Police, DSS leadership and other relevant authorities conduct an independent investigation into the reported incidents and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
It also appealed to human rights organisations, civil society groups, the media and the international community to pay attention to the political situation in Sokoto.
Despite raising concerns over the alleged attacks, the ADC said it would not abandon its political activities, confirming that its presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for November 4, 2026, would proceed as planned.
It urged members and supporters to avoid violence and remain law-abiding, while maintaining that the party would not be discouraged from exercising its constitutional rights.
The ADC warned that the growing political tension could have serious consequences for democracy if left unresolved, insisting that political parties should compete through their policies and ability to win public support rather than threats and violence.
