Gunshots Rock Sokoto as ADC Governorship Candidate’s Convoy Comes Under Attack

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

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 reportedly occurred at about 9pm on October 30, 2026, shortly after Dan’iya accompanied former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the airport.

Although the candidate was not injured, some of the Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in his convoy were reportedly damaged during the shooting.

Confirming the incident, the Sokoto State Police Command said it had received a report concerning the development.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufae, said the command was aware of the incident and would take appropriate action.

“The police have received a report of the happening at the Sokoto International Airport and definitely something will be done,” he stated, adding that anyone found responsible would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

However, Dan’iya, through a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, alleged that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard initially blocked his convoy from passing through the airport area.

According to the statement, the security personnel allegedly claimed they were acting on instructions from superior authorities prohibiting ADC members from entering Sokoto State.

It further alleged that efforts by the candidate’s security team to resolve the disagreement proved unsuccessful before gunshots were fired, resulting in damage to the bulletproof vehicles.

The statement also claimed that two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives attached to Dan’iya’s security detail were detained during the confrontation.

Reacting to the development, the ADC candidate described the incident as a serious threat to his personal safety and political rights, calling on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter.

“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,” he was quoted as saying.

Dan’iya disclosed that he had visited the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State to formally report the incident and seek intervention.

He also demanded the immediate release of the two DSS operatives, if they were still being held, while urging security agencies to preserve relevant video recordings, operational records and eyewitness accounts to facilitate an independent investigation.

The ADC candidate further called on the Sokoto State Government to clarify the alleged directives attributed to the security personnel and ensure that state-controlled security agencies were not used for political purposes.

He maintained that all Nigerians had the constitutional right to move freely and participate in lawful political activities, regardless of their political affiliations.

“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 added.

Despite the incident, Dan’iya appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and avoid any form of retaliation, stressing that he remained committed to pursuing his political ambition through lawful and democratic means.

The development comes amid growing political activities and tensions in Sokoto State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the allegations against the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard had not been independently verified. The Sokoto State Government and the two security outfits had also yet to issue official statements explaining their involvement or providing their accounts of the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the reported shooting, the alleged detention of the DSS operatives and the damage to the candidate’s convoy remain unclear.