Former Sokoto State Governor and senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has condemned an alleged attack on the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, calling on security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found responsible.
Dan’iya alleged that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard attacked his convoy near the Sokoto Airport on Friday night, October 30, 2026.
According to the governorship candidate, the incident involved gunshots, damage to his vehicle and threats to his life.
The allegations have raised concerns about the safety of political candidates and the need to ensure that security personnel operate within the law, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
Reacting on Saturday, October 31, Tambuwal described the allegations as deeply disturbing and called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
He urged the authorities to establish what happened, identify those responsible if wrongdoing is confirmed and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the appropriate legal consequences.
Tambuwal also stressed that Nigerians should be able to participate in political activities, associate with political parties and seek public office without fear of intimidation or violence.
The former governor warned against the use of security outfits as instruments of political pressure and called on the Sokoto State Government to ensure that security personnel operating under its authority comply with the law.
Dan’iya’s Allegations Raise Security Concerns
The incident, as described by Dan’iya, centres on an alleged confrontation involving his convoy near the Sokoto Airport.
The governorship candidate accused personnel associated with two security outfits of attacking the convoy, firing gunshots, damaging his vehicle and threatening his life.
The allegations have not, in themselves, established who was responsible or the circumstances surrounding the reported confrontation.
An independent investigation would be necessary to determine the sequence of events, establish whether firearms were discharged, assess the reported damage and identify anyone who may have acted unlawfully.
The identities and roles of the individuals allegedly involved would also need to be verified.
Such inquiries are particularly important where allegations concern security personnel, who are expected to protect the public and act impartially regardless of political affiliation.
A transparent investigation would help establish the facts and provide a basis for any appropriate legal action.
Tambuwal Calls for Accountability
Tambuwal’s response focused on the need to protect democratic participation and ensure that political differences do not result in threats or violence.
He argued that all citizens should be free to exercise their political rights and that security agencies must not be used to intimidate individuals seeking elective office.
The senator also called on the relevant federal security agencies to investigate the incident independently and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
His position reflects broader concerns about the relationship between political competition and public security as parties begin preparations for the next election cycle.
Political candidates and their supporters must be able to travel, hold meetings and campaign without unlawful interference.
At the same time, allegations involving security personnel must be investigated through established procedures so that responsibility is determined by evidence rather than political claims.
Implications for the 2027 Electoral Process
The reported incident comes as political parties and candidates intensify their preparations for the 2027 general election.
The safety of candidates, party members, electoral officials and voters is essential to ensuring that political competition takes place in a peaceful environment.
Violence or intimidation can discourage participation, restrict freedom of association and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Security agencies therefore have a responsibility to respond promptly to credible complaints, protect those facing threats and maintain neutrality in political disputes.
Political parties also have a responsibility to urge their supporters to remain peaceful and to pursue grievances through lawful channels.
Tambuwal has called for an investigation while insisting that the ADC’s political activities should continue despite the reported incident.
The former governor said the party would proceed with its scheduled presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto on November 4, 2026, and urged members and supporters to remain calm.
The next steps will depend on the findings of the relevant authorities and any evidence gathered during their investigation.
For now, the central issue is establishing the facts surrounding Dan’iya’s allegations and ensuring that any proven wrongdoing is addressed in accordance with the law.