The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has demanded urgent action from security agencies in Sokoto State following an alleged attack on its governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, warning that the authorities have 24 hours to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The council also called for the immediate release of two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives allegedly taken away during the incident, describing the development as a serious security concern that requires the attention of relevant authorities.
The confrontation reportedly took place along Airport Road in Sokoto on Thursday while Dan Iya was returning to the city after accompanying former governor of the state and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, from the airport.
According to the campaign council, the candidate’s convoy came under attack from operatives of the Sokoto Marshals, a security organisation established by the state government.
The alleged attackers were accused of damaging several vehicles in the convoy, with Dan Iya’s personal Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) reportedly suffering extensive destruction.
The ADC-PCC expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident, arguing that political disagreements should not be allowed to develop into physical confrontations or threats against individuals exercising their democratic rights.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council accused the state security outfit of engaging in activities allegedly directed at members and supporters of the opposition party.
It claimed that operatives of the Sokoto Marshals had positioned themselves at different historic gates leading into Sokoto metropolis, where they allegedly stopped motorists and subjected some of them to harassment.
The council further alleged that vehicles displaying ADC posters, party insignia and other campaign-related materials were particularly targeted during the operations.
It described the alleged pattern of conduct as an attempt to create an atmosphere of fear among opposition supporters and discourage them from openly identifying with the party.
The campaign council maintained that the reported incident involving Dan Iya was part of a broader pattern of political intimidation that could threaten the country’s democratic environment if left unaddressed.
It also referenced similar allegations of attacks and harassment involving opposition figures in Kaduna State and other parts of the country, expressing concern over what it described as the growing hostility towards political opponents.
According to the ADC-PCC, the alleged involvement of a security organisation funded with public resources in activities targeting opposition politicians raises serious questions about the neutrality and purpose of such institutions.
The council argued that government-established security organisations should concentrate on protecting lives and property rather than becoming instruments for settling political differences.
It stressed that public security resources must be deployed in the interest of all residents, irrespective of their political beliefs, party affiliations or support for particular candidates.
Meanwhile, the council disclosed that Dan Iya had formally reported the incident to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, requesting an investigation into the alleged attack.
It urged the police authorities to establish what happened, identify everyone involved and ensure that appropriate legal action was taken against anyone found culpable.
The ADC-PCC specifically appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.
It also demanded that the two DSS operatives allegedly abducted during the confrontation be located and released without further delay.
Beyond seeking arrests and the recovery of the missing personnel, the council called for adequate security arrangements to protect Dan Iya, his supporters and other members of the ADC in Sokoto State.
It warned that failure to address the matter decisively within 24 hours could compel the party’s leadership to pursue additional lawful measures to protect its members and defend their political rights.
The ultimatum, according to the council, reflects its position that political participation should not expose candidates and their supporters to intimidation, harassment or physical attacks.
It maintained that the responsibility for preserving public order rests with security agencies, which must demonstrate impartiality when dealing with complaints involving political parties.
The development comes amid growing political activities and disagreements among political stakeholders as parties continue to position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.
The council insisted that the freedom to associate with a political party, display campaign materials and support a preferred candidate remains an essential part of democratic participation.
It warned that allowing alleged political attacks to go uninvestigated could weaken public confidence in security institutions and discourage citizens from participating actively in the political process.
Despite its strong criticism of the alleged incident, the ADC-PCC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement and respect for the rule of law.
It maintained that the party would continue to pursue its political objectives through lawful democratic channels, while insisting that opposition parties must enjoy the same protection and freedom as those in government.
The council urged the relevant authorities to treat the incident with the seriousness it deserves, stressing that political differences should be resolved through democratic competition rather than intimidation or violence.
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