APC, ADC trade words over attack on Sokoto gov candidate’s convoy

The All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State have traded accusations over an alleged attack on the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, by personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the state Community Guard.

While the ADC accused the state-owned security outfits of attacking Dan’iya’s convoy, firing gunshots and detaining two Department of State Services operatives, the APC dismissed the allegations as fabricated claims intended to attract public sympathy and discredit the state government.

Dan’iya alleged that the incident occurred around 9pm on Friday, October 30, near the Sokoto Airport, shortly after he escorted former Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the airport for his return journey to Abuja.

In a statement issued on Friday evening by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC candidate claimed that the security personnel blocked his convoy and prevented it from proceeding, allegedly insisting that they were acting on orders from above to stop ADC members from entering the state.

He further alleged that gunshots were fired during the confrontation, his vehicle was damaged and two DSS operatives attached to his security team were detained.

“If security personnel can block a gubernatorial candidate, fire gunshots during a confrontation, damage his vehicle and detain officers assigned to his protection, then the people of Sokoto deserve urgent answers,” Dan’iya said.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident, identify those behind the alleged orders and ensure the release of the detained officers if they remained in custody.

The ADC candidate also alleged that vehicles bearing the party’s inscriptions had earlier been stopped from entering the state following the deployment of personnel of the two security outfits at entry points.

However, the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Adiya, rejected the allegations, describing them as propaganda designed to divert attention from the ADC’s internal political challenges.

In a statement, Adiya questioned the credibility of the ADC’s account, particularly the allegation that personnel of the state security outfits detained DSS operatives and interfered with their vehicles.

He also pointed to what he described as inconsistencies in the party’s account of the incident, arguing that while its media aide reportedly claimed that security personnel prevented Dan’iya from entering Sokoto metropolis, the candidate’s statement indicated that he had visited different locations in the city for condolence visits and other engagements.

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The APC chairman also dismissed the allegation that security personnel were deployed to restrict ADC members from entering the state, saying the deployment was connected to preparations for a major traditional title conferment ceremony scheduled for Sunday.

Speaking in a telephone conversation on Saturday, Adiya said the ceremony was expected to attract prominent personalities and visitors from different parts of the country, making adequate security arrangements necessary.

He maintained that the deployment was intended to protect residents and visitors rather than interfere with the opposition party’s political activities.

He said, “The security arrangements have nothing to do with the ADC or its political activities. Sokoto is preparing to host an important traditional ceremony that will attract dignitaries from across the country.

“It is therefore necessary to put adequate security measures in place to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.”

The APC chairman further urged the ADC to address its internal disagreements instead of blaming the ruling party and the state government for its political difficulties.

He maintained that Governor Ahmed Aliyu remained committed to peace and political tolerance, adding that he had consistently cautioned APC supporters against actions capable of creating political tension.

Adiya also claimed that ADC members had continued to conduct political activities in the state without intimidation or interference from APC supporters.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command confirmed that it was investigating the alleged incident.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said in a text message to our correspondent on Friday evening that the police were aware of the development.

“The command is aware of the incident. We are investigating,” he said.

The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and clarify the allegations made by the opposition candidate.