*Former Gov Tambuwal Speaks
By Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
Opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State for the 2027 election, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, has alleged that an attempt was made on his life.
He said the development followed a reported confrontation directed at him and allegedly involving state security personnel, near the Sokoto Airport on Friday night.
Dan’Iya, who is also the Walin Sokoto, made the allegation, saying personnel of the Sokoto State Marshal and the State Community Guard reportedly blocked his convoy about 9:00 p.m. as he returned from the airport, where he had accompanied former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, after political engagements in the state.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC candidate described the incident as a disturbing development capable of undermining democratic participation and political activities in the North-West state.
He alleged that the security personnel prevented his convoy from proceeding, claiming they were acting on instructions from higher authorities. The State is governed by All Progressives Congress (APC).
Personnel of “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,” he stated.
According to Dan’Iya, efforts by his security team to resolve the disagreement were unsuccessful, as gunshots were allegedly fired during the confrontation.
He further claimed that his vehicle was damaged and two Department of State Services (DSS) officers among his security detail were detained.
The ADC candidate said he escaped without injuries but described the incident as a threat to his personal safety.
He called for an urgent and independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and determine those responsible.
Dan’Iya also alleged that earlier deployments of the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard at entry points into the state had resulted in vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions being prevented from entering Sokoto.
He said the development, which initially appeared to be a routine security operation, had raised concerns about possible restrictions on the opposition party’s political activities.
“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,” he said.
He maintained that security agencies must operate within the law and should not be used to intimidate political opponents.
The candidate disclosed that he had reported the incident to the State Commissioner of Police.
He also appealed to the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of DSS and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, identify those who issued the reported orders, preserve available evidence and ensure the release of the detained DSS officers, if they remained in custody.
Dan’Iya insisted that the incident would not deter him or his party from pursuing their political ambitions through lawful and peaceful means.
Tambuwal Condemns Reported Incident
Reacting to the development, Senator Tambuwal condemned the reported incident, describing the allegations as deeply disturbing.
In a post on his official X account, the former governor called on the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and other relevant security agencies to conduct a swift, independent and impartial investigation into the matter.
Tambuwal urged the authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable was held accountable in accordance with the law.
He stressed that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to freedom of movement, political association and participation in elections without intimidation or fear.
Let the people speak through their votes, not through arms, he stated.
Tambuwal further maintained that security agencies had a responsibility to protect all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations, and must not become instruments of political intimidation.
He also called on the Sokoto State Government to ensure that security outfits under its control performed their duties professionally, lawfully and without political bias.
Despite the reported incident, Tambuwal said, the ADC would proceed with its scheduled presidential campaign flag-off on 4 November, 2026.
As of the time of filing this report, the State Government, the Sokoto State Marshal, the Sokoto State Community Guard and the police authorities were yet to issue official statements addressing the allegations.
The circumstances surrounding the reported confrontation, including the alleged gunfire, damage to the candidate’s vehicle and detention of the DSS officers, therefore remained unverified.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Dan’Iya …Shaken, not defeated.
