ADC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Attack on Sokoto Governorship Candidate, Gives Authorities 24-Hour Ultimatum
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has condemned an alleged attack on its Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, by operatives of the state-owned security outfit, known as the Sokoto Marshals.
The party described the incident as an unprovoked, brutal and cowardly assault, alleging that the operatives attacked Dan Iya along Airport Road, Sokoto, while he was returning to the city after accompanying former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, from the airport.
According to the ADC-PCC, several vehicles in the governorship candidate’s convoy were vandalised and extensively damaged during the incident, including his personal SUV.
The party further alleged that, following the attack, Sokoto Marshals operatives were deployed at various historic gates leading into Sokoto metropolis, where they allegedly harassed motorists and targeted vehicles displaying ADC posters, insignia and other party symbols.
In a more disturbing allegation, the ADC-PCC claimed that two Department of State Services (DSS) personnel attached to the governorship candidate were abducted by the Sokoto Marshals.
It disclosed that Dan Iya had formally reported the incident to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, urging security authorities to intervene and prevent further escalation.
Describing the development as a dangerous descent into state-sponsored political intimidation, the party accused the security outfit of allegedly being deployed as an instrument of political persecution against opposition figures.
The ADC-PCC maintained that the incident was part of a wider pattern of political harassment and violence against its members across the country, citing similar reported incidents in Kaduna and other states in recent weeks.
It argued that the alleged attacks constituted serious violations of democratic principles and constitutional guarantees of freedom of movement, association and peaceful political participation.
The party expressed particular concern that a security outfit established and funded with taxpayers’ money could allegedly be used to intimidate, harass and attack perceived political opponents.
“This is not governance. It is banditry in uniform, and it must not be tolerated in a democracy,” the statement declared.
The ADC-PCC warned that it would no longer tolerate attacks on its members, leaders, candidates and political structures, insisting that it remained committed to peaceful political engagement and the rule of law.
It, however, declared its readiness to pursue all legitimate means to defend its members and protect their constitutional rights, warning that no individual or group had a monopoly on violence, intimidation or lawlessness.
Consequently, the party issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Inspector-General of Police, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to investigate the incident, secure the release of the two DSS personnel reportedly abducted, protect Dan Iya and other ADC members, and bring those responsible to justice.
The party warned that failure by the authorities to take decisive action within the stipulated period would compel its leadership to consider further lawful measures to protect its members and defend its political rights.
The ADC-PCC stressed that Nigeria must not descend into a situation where state-funded security outfits are allegedly transformed into instruments of political persecution, warning that such conduct poses a serious threat to democratic freedoms and national stability.
