The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State have exchanged accusations following an alleged attack on the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya.
The opposition party accused personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the state Community Guard of obstructing Dan’iya’s convoy, firing gunshots and detaining two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives attached to his security team. However, the APC dismissed the claims, describing them as false allegations aimed at discrediting the state government and attracting public sympathy.
According to a statement issued by Dan’iya’s media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the incident occurred on Friday night near the Sokoto Airport after the ADC candidate had accompanied former Sokoto State governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the airport.
Dan’iya alleged that security personnel blocked his convoy and prevented its passage, claiming they acted on instructions to stop ADC members from entering the state. He further claimed that shots were fired during the confrontation, his vehicle was damaged and two DSS operatives were detained.
“If security personnel can block a governorship candidate, fire gunshots during a confrontation, damage his vehicle and detain officers assigned to his protection, then the people of Sokoto deserve answers,” Dan’iya said while calling for an investigation by relevant security authorities.
The ADC candidate also alleged that vehicles displaying the party’s insignia had earlier been prevented from entering the state due to heightened security deployments at entry points.
Reacting to the allegations, APC Chairman in Sokoto State, Haruna Adiya, rejected the claims and accused the ADC of spreading propaganda to mask its internal political challenges.
Adiya questioned the credibility of the opposition party’s account, particularly the claim that state security outfits could detain DSS personnel. He also pointed to what he described as inconsistencies in the ADC’s narrative regarding Dan’iya’s movements within the state.
The APC chairman maintained that the security deployment was unrelated to politics, explaining that it was part of preparations for a major traditional title conferment ceremony expected to attract prominent dignitaries from across the country.
“The security arrangements have nothing to do with the ADC or its political activities,” he said. “They were put in place to ensure the safety of residents and visitors attending an important traditional event.”
Adiya further stated that Governor Ahmed Aliyu remained committed to maintaining peace and political tolerance in the state and had consistently urged APC supporters to avoid actions capable of causing political tension.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command confirmed that it had launched an investigation into the alleged incident.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the police were aware of the development and were working to establish the facts surrounding the confrontation.
“The command is aware of the incident. We are investigating,” he said.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the allegation and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
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