The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused the Sokoto State-owned security outfit, Sokoto Marshals, of attacking the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, damaging vehicles in his convoy and allegedly abducting two Department of State Services (DSS) personnel attached to him.
The campaign council condemned the incident and called on security agencies to arrest those responsible within 24 hours, warning that failure to act would compel the party to explore further lawful measures to protect its members and political interests.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council said the incident occurred on Friday along Airport Road in Sokoto as Dan Iya returned to the city after accompanying former governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, from the airport.
The ADC-PCC alleged that armed operatives of the Sokoto Marshals attacked the governorship candidate’s convoy, vandalising several vehicles, including his personal Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
It further claimed that two DSS operatives assigned to provide security for Dan Iya were taken away during the incident.
According to the campaign council, the candidate had formally reported the matter to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police.
The organisation also alleged that members of the security outfit had been deployed around some of the historic entry gates into Sokoto metropolis, where they reportedly harassed motorists and targeted vehicles displaying ADC posters, party insignia and other campaign materials.
Describing the incident as an act of political intimidation, the council expressed concern over the alleged involvement of a state-funded security organisation in actions against opposition members.
It warned that the development could undermine democratic principles and the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of movement, association and peaceful political participation.
The ADC-PCC further alleged that the Sokoto incident reflected a wider pattern of intimidation against its members and opposition figures, referencing similar incidents reportedly recorded in Kaduna and other states.
The council questioned the use of public resources to maintain a security outfit that it alleged was being deployed against political opponents rather than performing its primary security responsibilities.
It maintained that the party would not continue to tolerate attacks on its candidates, leaders and supporters, while reiterating its commitment to pursuing peaceful and lawful political engagement.
The campaign council consequently appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police and other security and intelligence agencies to investigate the allegations, apprehend those responsible and ensure the safe return of the two DSS personnel reportedly abducted.
It also demanded adequate security arrangements for Dan Iya and other ADC members in Sokoto State.
Giving the authorities a 24-hour deadline, the council urged security agencies to take immediate action, guarantee the safety of its members and commence proceedings to bring anyone found responsible to justice.
The ADC-PCC warned that failure to address the incident within the stipulated period would leave the party with no option but to pursue additional lawful measures to protect its members and democratic rights.
The council reiterated that political competition should not be accompanied by intimidation or violence, stressing that state-funded security institutions must operate within the law and remain accountable to the public.