By Kazeem Waris
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has reportedly escaped unhurt after gunmen opened fire on his convoy near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on Friday night.
The incident occurred around 9pm on October 30, 2026, shortly after Dan’iya escorted former Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the airport. The attack reportedly left his bulletproof Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) damaged.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed receiving a report of the incident.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufae, said: “The police have received a report of the happening at the Sokoto International Airport and definitely something will be done.”
He added that anyone found culpable would be dealt with according to 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 passing through the airport area.
The statement claimed the personnel said they were acting on directives from superior authorities barring ADC members from entering Sokoto State.
It further alleged that attempts by the candidate’s security team to resolve the confrontation failed before gunshots were fired, damaging the bulletproof vehicles.
The statement also claimed that two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives attached to Dan’iya’s security team were detained during the confrontation.
Reacting, the ADC candidate described the incident as a threat to his safety and democratic participation, demanding an immediate investigation by the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS Director-General and other relevant authorities.
“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.
He disclosed that he had visited the Commissioner of Police in the state to formally report the incident and demand intervention.
Dan’iya also called for the immediate release of the two DSS operatives, if they remained in custody, and urged security authorities to preserve video footage, operational records and eyewitness accounts for an impartial investigation.
He further challenged the Sokoto State Government to clarify the alleged directives attributed to the security personnel and ensure that state-controlled security outfits operated 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 declared.
The candidate urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation, insisting that his political ambition would continue to be pursued peacefully and within the law.
The alleged attack has heightened concerns over political tension in Sokoto ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
As of the time of filing this report, the allegations against the security personnel had not been independently verified. 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 circumstances surrounding the reported shooting, the alleged detention of the DSS operatives and the damage to the convoy remain subject to investigation.
