Sokoto ADC governorship candidate alleges security convoy attack; politicians demand investigation

Former Sokoto governor and current senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal condemned an alleged assault on the convoy of African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate Manir Muhammad Dan’iya. Dan’iya said personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard blocked his vehicle near the state airport on the night of Friday, 30 October 2026, opened fire, damaged his car and threatened his life. The incident occurred shortly after Dan’iya had escorted Tambuwal to the airport for the latter’s return to Abuja.

Tambuwal, speaking through his media office on Saturday, described the allegations as “deeply disturbing” and urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to launch a swift, independent and impartial investigation. He stressed that every Nigerian has the right to move freely, join any political party and seek office without intimidation, adding that no citizen should face violence for exercising these rights.

The ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, also issued a statement on his X account, condemning the attack on Dan’iya and the simultaneous assault on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. Atiku linked the incidents to a broader pattern of intimidation allegedly orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and warned that such actions undermine democratic space.

Background

The confrontation took place at approximately 9 p.m. near Sokoto Airport, a key entry point to the state. Dan’iya’s media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, claimed that the security personnel blocked the convoy, insisting they were acting on higher orders to prevent ADC members from entering Sokoto. According to the candidate, gunshots were fired, his vehicle sustained damage and two DSS officers attached to his security team were detained.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) quickly rejected the ADC’s account, describing the claims as fabricated attempts to garner sympathy and discredit the state government. The party’s response, reported by Punch and Daily Trust, suggested the allegations were intended to portray the APC administration in a negative light.

Both the Punch and Tribune reports note that Tambuwal called for the involvement of the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and other relevant agencies, emphasizing the need for an impartial probe and accountability for any perpetrators.

Why it matters

The alleged attack raises concerns about the safety of political candidates during Nigeria’s upcoming elections. Dan’iya’s appeal for the release of the detained DSS officers and clarification of any orders given to security personnel underscores tensions between opposition parties and state security structures.

If the accusations are substantiated, they could signal a breach of constitutional rights to free movement and political participation, potentially influencing voter confidence and the conduct of the electoral process in Sokoto State. The involvement of senior figures such as Tambuwal and Atiku highlights the political weight of the incident and the pressure on security agencies to demonstrate impartiality.

The APC’s denial of wrongdoing adds a partisan dimension, with each side accusing the other of either fabricating or covering up violence. This dispute may affect inter‑party relations and could prompt further scrutiny from national electoral bodies and civil‑society watchdogs.

What happens next

Tambuwal’s statement specifically requests that the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and other relevant security agencies conduct a thorough, independent investigation and bring any culpable individuals to justice. The ADC candidate has also called on the state government to clarify any instructions allegedly given to the Marshal and Community Guard personnel.

No specific timeline for the investigation has been announced, but the calls for an immediate probe suggest that the matter will be on the agenda of security and electoral authorities in the coming days. Both the APC and ADC are likely to continue publicising their positions as the investigation proceeds, and any findings could influence the political climate ahead of the scheduled elections.

The incident remains under investigation, and the differing accounts from the ADC, APC and senior political figures reflect an unresolved dispute over the facts and responsibility for the alleged attack.