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Gunmen Open Fire on ADC Governorship Candidate’s Convoy in Sokoto, Dan’iya Escapes
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has escaped unhurt after suspected gunmen reportedly opened fire on his convoy near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport.
The incident occurred at about 9pm on Friday, October 30, 2026, shortly after Dan’iya had accompanied former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the airport.
Although the candidate escaped without injuries, his bulletproof sport utility vehicles were reportedly damaged during the shooting.
Confirming the incident, the Sokoto State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufae, said the command had received a report of the shooting and would take necessary action.
He assured that anyone found responsible would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
However, in a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya alleged that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard blocked his convoy and prevented it from accessing the airport area.
According to the statement, the security personnel claimed they were acting on instructions from their superiors not to allow ADC members into Sokoto State.
The statement further alleged that efforts by members of the candidate’s security team to resolve the confrontation were unsuccessful before gunshots were fired, damaging the bulletproof vehicles.
It also claimed that two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), attached to Dan’iya’s security team, were detained during the incident.
Describing the development as a threat to his personal safety and democratic freedoms, the ADC candidate said the incident raised serious concerns about political participation, freedom of movement and peaceful coexistence in the state.
Dan’iya further alleged that earlier on Friday, his team had observed unusual deployments of Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard personnel at various entry points into the state, where vehicles bearing ADC inscriptions were allegedly prevented from entering.
He said what initially appeared to be routine security operations had raised suspicions of a deliberate attempt to restrict the movement and political activities of opposition members.
“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 was quoted as saying.
The ADC candidate disclosed that he had visited the state Commissioner of Police to formally report the incident, present his account of what happened and seek intervention.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant security authorities to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and establish whether unlawful directives were issued.
Dan’iya also demanded the immediate release of the two DSS operatives, if they remained in custody, while urging authorities to preserve available video footage, operational records, eyewitness accounts and other relevant evidence.
He appealed to the Federal Government, National Assembly, human rights organisations and the international community to monitor the security situation in Sokoto, warning that political intimidation and violence could undermine the credibility of the democratic process.
The candidate also challenged the Sokoto State Government to clarify the alleged directives attributed to the security personnel and ensure that state-controlled security outfits operated within the law and without political interference.
“Sokoto is not the property of any government or political party. Every Nigerian has the right to enter the state, move freely and participate in lawful political activities. Any order intended to exclude ADC members from Sokoto would be unacceptable and must be investigated,” he said.
Despite the incident, Dan’iya appealed to his supporters to remain calm, avoid provocation and refrain from retaliation.
He insisted that neither intimidation nor violence would force him or the ADC to abandon their constitutional and democratic rights, adding that he would continue pursuing his political ambition peacefully and lawfully.
The allegations contained in the ADC statement had yet to be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
There was also no official response from the Sokoto State Government, the Sokoto Marshal or the Community Guard explaining their account of the incident.
The police and other relevant security authorities are expected to provide further clarification on the reported shooting, the alleged detention of the DSS operatives and the damage to the candidate’s convoy.
