RismadarVoice Reporters
October 31, 2026
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State have traded accusations following an alleged attack on the convoy of ADC governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, near Sokoto Airport.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9 p.m. on Friday, October 30, shortly after Dan’iya escorted former Sokoto State Governor and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya alleged that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and Sokoto State Community Guard blocked his convoy and prevented it from proceeding.
He claimed the operatives said they were acting on instructions to restrict ADC members from entering the state.
According to the candidate, the confrontation escalated when gunshots were allegedly fired, damaging his vehicle, while two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives attached to his security team were detained.
Dan’iya said he escaped unharmed and subsequently reported the incident to the Commissioner of Police.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police and Director-General of the DSS to investigate the allegations, identify those responsible and secure the release of the officers if they remained in custody.
The ADC candidate also alleged that vehicles displaying the party’s insignia had earlier been stopped at entry points into Sokoto.
However, Sokoto APC Chairman Haruna Adiya rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated claims intended to discredit the state government.
Adiya maintained that the security deployment was connected to preparations for a traditional title conferment ceremony expected to attract dignitaries to Sokoto.
He insisted that the arrangements were intended to protect residents and visitors rather than restrict opposition political activities.
The APC chairman also questioned the ADC’s account of the alleged detention of DSS operatives and accused the opposition party of attempting to divert attention from its internal disagreements.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed receiving a report concerning the incident and commenced an investigation.
Police spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufai said the command was examining the circumstances and would communicate its findings after establishing the facts.
The police have not independently confirmed who fired the alleged gunshots, whether DSS personnel were detained or whether any instructions were issued to restrict ADC members.
The incident has heightened political tensions in Sokoto as parties prepare for the 2027 general election.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and determine whether any offences were committed.
