APC, ADC clash over attack on Sokoto candidate’s convoy

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State have exchanged accusations over an alleged attack on the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, by state-owned security operatives.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday night near the Sokoto Airport, shortly after Dan’iya escorted former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for his return flight to Abuja.

The ADC candidate alleged that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard blocked his convoy, fired gunshots, damaged his vehicle, and detained two Department of State Services (DSS) officers attached to his security detail.

In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC candidate described the incident as a threat to his life and called on the police and other security agencies to launch an immediate investigation.

He demanded the release of the detained DSS officers and urged the state government to clarify the instructions given to the security personnel.

The ADC also alleged that state operatives were deployed to various entry points to prevent vehicles bearing the party’s insignia from accessing the state capital.

However, the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Adiya, dismissed the claims, describing them as a propaganda campaign aimed at diverting public attention from the opposition party’s internal challenges.

Adiya questioned the credibility of the account, particularly the assertion that state security personnel could detain federal DSS officers.

The APC chairman clarified that the heightened security deployment across the state was in preparation for a major traditional title conferment ceremony scheduled for Sunday.

He explained that the security arrangements were to protect residents and visitors, and had absolutely nothing to do with the political activities of the ADC.

Adiya also stated that Governor Ahmed Aliyu remains committed to peace and political tolerance in the state, advising party supporters against any action that could cause political tension or violence. According to him, ADC members have continued to conduct political activities in Sokoto without interference or intimidation.

The APC chairman urged the opposition party to substantiate its allegations and focus on presenting development plans to the electorate, rather than engaging in manufactured controversies.