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, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, by personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard.
Dan’iya had alleged that personnel of the two state-owned security outfits attacked his convoy around the Sokoto Airport at about 9pm on Friday, October 30, shortly after he escorted former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport for his return to Abuja.
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC candidate claimed that the security personnel blocked his convoy and prevented it from passing, allegedly claiming they were acting on orders from above to stop ADC members from entering Sokoto.
He alleged that gunshots were fired during the confrontation, his vehicle was damaged and two Department of State Services (DSS) officers attached to his security team were detained.
Dan’iya described the incident as a threat to his life and called on the police, the DSS and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter and establish those responsible.
He also urged the security agencies to ensure the release of the two DSS officers if they remained in custody, while calling on the state government to clarify the alleged instructions given to the security personnel.
The ADC candidate further alleged that earlier in the day, personnel of the security outfits had been deployed at entry points into the state, where vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions were reportedly stopped from entering.
However, the APC dismissed the allegations, describing them as fabricated claims intended to attract public sympathy and divert attention from the ADC’s political challenges.
The state APC Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Adiya, said the allegations were part of what he described as a propaganda campaign against the state government.
Adiya, who spoke in a statement, questioned the credibility of the account, particularly the claim that personnel of the state security outfits detained DSS officers and interfered with their vehicles.
He also faulted what he described as inconsistencies in the ADC’s account of the incident, arguing that while the party’s 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 to pay condolence visits and attend to other engagements.
The APC chairman also dismissed claims that security personnel were deployed to restrict ADC members from entering the state, explaining that Sokoto was preparing to host a major traditional title conferment ceremony scheduled for Sunday.
He said the event was expected to attract prominent personalities and visitors from different parts of the country, making adequate security arrangements necessary.
Adiya maintained that the deployment of security personnel was aimed at protecting residents and visitors attending the ceremony and had nothing to do with the political activities of the ADC.
He further urged the opposition party to address its internal challenges rather than blame the APC and the state government for its political difficulties.
The APC chairman also said Governor Ahmed Aliyu remained committed to peace and political tolerance, adding that he had consistently advised party supporters against engaging in activities capable of causing political tension or violence.
According to him, ADC members have continued to conduct political activities in Sokoto without interference or intimidation from APC supporters.
He urged the opposition party to substantiate its allegations and focus on presenting policies and development plans to the electorate rather than engaging in what he described as manufactured controversies.