The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over alleged political violence and intimidation in Sokoto State following an attack on its governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport.
The party made this known during a press conference in Sokoto, where it called on security agencies and the state government to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
According to the Director-General of the ADC Sokoto State Governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, the incident occurred on Friday, October 30, 2026, shortly after Dan’iya, popularly known as Walin Sokoto, arrived at the airport.
Goronyo alleged that suspected gunmen attacked the candidate’s convoy, fired gunshots and damaged several vehicles.
The party further alleged that personnel of the Sokoto Marshals and Sokoto Community Guards, security outfits established by the state government, were involved in the incident. It also claimed that two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives attached to the candidate’s security detail were detained.
The ADC called for an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those involved and determine whether the alleged operation was authorised by any security commander or government official.
The party also cited other alleged incidents of political intimidation, including an attack on its women supporters during a solidarity march on October 28, which reportedly left some participants injured, while their mobile phones and other belongings were allegedly seized.
It further alleged that its state campaign office was attacked on the same day, resulting in damage to the building, destruction of motorcycles and the loss of campaign materials.
The party also accused some individuals of destroying its billboards and posters across the state, while alleging that hotel operators were pressured to cancel reservations made for its political activities.
Expressing concern over the development, the ADC warned that the alleged incidents, if established, could undermine democratic freedoms, threaten public safety and heighten political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It stressed that security agencies must remain politically neutral and accountable, adding that public institutions and government-owned security outfits must not be used for partisan purposes.
The party consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, protect political candidates and supporters, and prosecute anyone found culpable.
It also urged civil society organisations, human rights groups, media organisations and the international community to monitor developments in Sokoto State.
Despite the alleged threats, the ADC maintained that its presidential campaign flag-off, rescheduled for November 4, 2026, would proceed as planned, while urging its supporters to remain calm, disciplined and law-abiding.
The party reiterated its commitment to peaceful political participation, insisting that democratic competition should be determined by ideas, policies, performance and the will of the electorate rather than violence and intimidation.
