Breaking News: Sokoto ADC Governorship candidate, Dan’Iya escapes assassination attempt (See pictures)
By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The 2027 Sokoto State Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has escaped an alleged assassination attempt on his life by personnel of the Sokoto State Marshal and the Sokoto Community Guard, Friday night.
Dan’Iya, who said the Sokoto state government-owned security outfits attacked him and his convoy at the Sokoto Airport area at about 9:00 p.m. on Friday, 30 October 2026, described the incident as deeply troubling.
A statement by Aminu Abdullahi, the media aide of Dan’Iya said the incident occurred after his principal escorted Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport for his return journey to Abuja following political engagements in the State.
While noting that the development was simply a dangerous escalation of political hostilities and an unacceptable threat to democratic participation in the state, Dan’Iya said his greatest worry was when the security outfits confirmed that they were acting based on orders from above.
“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.”
Narrating the outcome of the blockage, Dan’Iya said efforts by his security team to resolve the confrontation proved unsuccessful as gunshots were fired, his vehicle smashed, and two Department of State Services (DSS) officers attached to his security team were detained.
Affirming the incident as a direct threat to his life despite escaping unhurt, Dan’Iya said, “These allegations require urgent and an independent investigation by the appropriate authorities.”
The ADC candidate further disclosed that earlier on Friday, he and his team had observed an increased presence of Sokoto Marshals and Community Guard personnel at entry points into the state, where, according to his account, vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions were being stopped from entering Sokoto.
He said the convoy initially understood the deployments to be routine security measures but now fears they may form part of a deliberate attempt to restrict ADC activities and endanger its leadership.
“If security personnel can block a gubernatorial candidate, fire gunshots during a confrontation, damage his vehicle and detain officers assigned for 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 confirmed that he personally visited the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto to report the incident, present his account of what transpired and seek redress. He called on the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident immediately, establish who issued the orders, identify those responsible for any unlawful conduct, and ensure the prompt release of the two detained DSS officers if they remain in custody. He also demanded that evidence, including available footage, operational records, witness accounts and any relevant firearm reports, be preserved and examined impartially.
“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,” he declared.
Also reacting to the development, a chieftain of the ADC and the immediate past governor of Sokoto, now Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal condemned the reported attack on Hon. Dan’Iya, and members of his convoy.
Tambuwal in a post on his official X handle, formerly Twitter described as deeply disturbing allegations that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and Sokoto State Community Guard blocked Dan’iya’s convoy, fired gunshots, damaged his vehicle and detained two DSS officers attached to his security detail.
The ADC stalwart called on the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and other relevant security agencies to swiftly conduct a thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the matter and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
“Every Nigerian has the right to move freely, associate with a political party and seek political office in accordance with the law, adding that no citizen should face threats, violence or harassment for exercising these rights.
“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”.
Tambuwal therefore called on the Sokoto State Government to ensure that all security outfits under its authority operate lawfully and impartially.
Continuing, Tambuwal maintained that against all odds, the ADC would proceed with its scheduled presidential campaign flag-off on 4th of November 2026, despite any attempts at intimidation.
