The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has given security agencies in Sokoto State 24 hours to arrest operatives of the state-owned Sokoto Marshals allegedly involved in an attack on its governorship candidate, Muhammadu Munir Dan-Iya.
The party also demanded the release of two Department of State Services (DSS) personnel reportedly abducted during the incident, as well as adequate protection for its candidate and members.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) made the demands in a statement its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, issued on Saturday in Abuja.
According to the council, the incident occurred along Airport Road, Sokoto, as Dan-Iya returned to the city after accompanying former governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the airport.
It was alleged that operatives of the Sokoto Marshals attacked the candidate’s convoy and vandalised several vehicles, including his personal Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
The council further claimed that two DSS operatives attached to the candidate’s security detail were abducted during the confrontation.
The ADC-PCC also alleged that personnel of the security outfit had been deployed at various historic gates into Sokoto metropolis, where they reportedly harassed motorists and targeted vehicles displaying ADC posters, insignia and other party symbols.
It said Dan-Iya had formally reported the incident to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, calling for an immediate investigation and the arrest of those responsible.
Describing the alleged attack as an escalation of political intimidation, the council accused the state-owned security outfit of being used to harass opposition members and undermine democratic participation.
It expressed concern that a security organisation established and funded with public resources could allegedly be deployed against perceived political opponents.
The council consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Sokoto Commissioner of Police and other security and intelligence agencies to investigate the incident, arrest the alleged perpetrators and secure the release of the two DSS personnel.
It warned that failure to act within 24 hours would compel the party leadership to take further lawful steps to protect its members and defend its political rights.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that it is investigating the incident.
The police spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command was aware of the development and would issue an official statement after establishing the facts.
However, the Sokoto State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the allegations as fabricated claims intended to attract public sympathy and discredit the state government.
The APC chairman, Haruna Adiya, said the deployment of security personnel was connected to preparations for a major traditional title conferment ceremony expected to attract dignitaries from across the country.
He maintained that the security arrangements were intended to protect residents and visitors, not interfere with the ADC’s political activities.
Former governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has also condemned the reported attack, demanding an independent investigation and accountability for anyone found culpable.
He insisted that security agencies must remain impartial and protect citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.
