Tambuwal Calls Investigation: Sokoto ADC Attack on Manir Dan'iya

• Senator Aminu Tambuwal condemned an alleged attack on African Democratic Congress governorship candidate Manir Dan’iya in Sokoto.
• Dan’iya claimed personnel from Sokoto Marshal and Sokoto State Community Guard attacked his convoy on October 30, 2026, firing shots and damaging his vehicle.
• Tambuwal called for a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and other security agencies.
• He emphasized that security outfits must protect all citizens and not be used for political intimidation.
• Despite the incident, the ADC plans to proceed with its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto on November 4, 2026.

Security outfits have a responsibility to protect all citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, and must never become instruments of political intimidation.

Senator Aminu Tambuwal, who previously served as the Governor of Sokoto State and now represents Sokoto South, has publicly condemned an alleged assault targeting Manir Dan’iya, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto. This incident, which Tambuwal described as "deeply disturbing," prompted his immediate demand for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. The alleged attack on the ADC candidate's convoy occurred on Friday, October 30, 2026, near the Sokoto Airport.

According to allegations made by Dan’iya, individuals identified as personnel from the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard were responsible for the assault. He reported that gunshots were discharged during the incident, resulting in damage to his vehicle and direct threats to his life. Tambuwal's strong reaction came in a statement released on Saturday, October 31, 2026, through his media office, highlighting the gravity of the accusations and the need for immediate action.

In response to the serious allegations of the Manir Dan’iya attack Sokoto, Senator Tambuwal has explicitly called for a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry. He directed his appeal to key national security bodies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), alongside other relevant security agencies. The former governor emphasized that the investigation must be not only thorough but also independent and impartial, ensuring that all facts surrounding the alleged political violence are uncovered.

Tambuwal's statement underscored the critical importance of accountability, urging these agencies to ensure that any individuals found culpable in the attack are brought to justice. This demand for a robust Nigeria Police Force DSS investigation reflects a broader concern for upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria, especially in the context of upcoming elections.

Senator Tambuwal articulated fundamental democratic principles in his condemnation, asserting that every Nigerian possesses the inherent right to freedom of movement, to affiliate with any political party, and to pursue political office within legal frameworks. He firmly stated that no citizen should encounter threats, violence, or harassment when exercising these constitutional rights. This stance directly addresses the implications of political violence Nigeria elections.

Furthermore, Tambuwal issued a stern warning regarding the conduct of security outfits, emphasizing their primary responsibility to safeguard all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations. He cautioned unequivocally against the deployment of such outfits as instruments of political intimidation, stressing that "Security outfits have a responsibility to protect all citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, and must never become instruments of political intimidation." He also specifically urged the Sokoto State Government to guarantee that all security personnel operating under its authority adhere strictly to lawful and impartial conduct, particularly concerning the Sokoto Marshal Community Guard allegations.

Despite the unsettling incident, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has affirmed its commitment to proceeding with its scheduled presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto. This significant event is slated for November 4, 2026, demonstrating the party's resolve in the face of adversity. Senator Tambuwal declared that no level of intimidation or threats would deter the party from its democratic objectives.

He appealed to members and supporters of the ADC to maintain calm, exercise restraint, and remain steadfast in their dedication to democratic participation. Tambuwal reiterated that Sokoto belongs to all its inhabitants, just as Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, reinforcing the message that democracy must guarantee every individual's right to engage freely in the political process without fear.

This incident highlights the legal imperative for impartial investigation into alleged political violence and the accountability of state security outfits in Nigeria. Lawyers advising political actors or involved in human rights advocacy should monitor the investigation's progress for precedents regarding the enforcement of electoral laws and the protection of political rights, especially concerning the conduct of security forces.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH.