Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State for the 2027 election, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, has alleged that he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt after his convoy was reportedly attacked near the Sokoto Airport on Friday night.
Dan’Iya claimed that personnel of the Sokoto State Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard blocked his convoy around 9:00 p.m. after he accompanied former Sokoto State Governor and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport following political engagements in the state.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC candidate described the incident as a dangerous development that threatens democracy and political participation in Sokoto State.
According to him, the security operatives refused to allow his convoy to pass and claimed they were acting on instructions.
“The two state security outfits blocked my convoy and refused to allow us to pass, claiming they were acting on orders from above not to allow ADC members into Sokoto.”
Dan’Iya further alleged that attempts by his security team to resolve the situation failed, after which gunshots were fired, his vehicle was damaged and two Department of State Services (DSS) officers attached to his security detail were detained.
He said he escaped the incident unhurt but described it as a direct threat to his life.
“These allegations require urgent and an independent investigation by the appropriate authorities.”
The ADC governorship candidate also alleged that earlier in the day, he noticed an unusual deployment of Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard personnel at entry points into the state, where vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions were allegedly stopped from entering Sokoto.
He said what initially appeared to be a routine security operation now seems to be part of a deliberate attempt to restrict the activities of the opposition party.
“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. No one should be above the law, and no security outfit should be used to threaten political opponents.”
Dan’Iya said he had reported the incident to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police and called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant authorities to carry out an independent investigation.
He urged security agencies to identify those responsible, establish who issued the alleged orders, preserve all available evidence and ensure the release of the detained DSS officers if they remain in custody.
“We will not be intimidated, and we will not surrender our democratic rights. We will continue to pursue our political mission peacefully and lawfully. The responsibility now rests with the security agencies to act decisively, protect lives, investigate this incident and ensure that Sokoto does not descend further into political violence.”
Reacting to the development, former Sokoto State Governor and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal condemned the reported attack on the ADC governorship candidate and members of his convoy.
In a post on his official X account, Tambuwal described the allegations that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and Sokoto State Community Guard blocked the convoy, fired gunshots, damaged Dan’Iya’s vehicle and detained two DSS officers as deeply disturbing.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and other security agencies to carry out a swift, independent and impartial investigation and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
Tambuwal said every Nigerian has the constitutional right to move freely, belong to any political party and seek elective office without fear or intimidation.
“Let the people speak through their votes, not through arms. And the security outfits have a responsibility to protect all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, and must never become instruments of political intimidation.”
He also urged the Sokoto State Government to ensure that all security outfits under its control operate professionally, lawfully and without political bias.
Tambuwal added that despite the reported incident, the ADC would go ahead with its scheduled presidential campaign flag-off on November 4, 2026.
As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Government, the Sokoto State Marshal, the Sokoto State Community Guard and the police authorities had not issued official responses to the allegations.
