The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, ADC-PCC, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to security agencies in Sokoto State to take action against operatives of the Sokoto Marshals accused of attacking its governorship candidate, Munir Dan Iya. According to the council, Dan Iya was attacked along the Sokoto Airport Road while returning to the city after accompanying former governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. The incident involved the vandalism of vehicles in Dan Iya's convoy, including his personal SUV.
The ADC-PCC alleged that two Department of State Services, DSS, personnel attached to Dan Iya were abducted during the incident. The council also claimed that Sokoto Marshals had been harassing motorists and targeting vehicles displaying ADC posters and party symbols at different gates into the metropolis. This, the council said, was a clear case of intimidation of opposition members.
In a statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, Director of Media and Publicity of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the party accused the state-owned security outfit of being used to intimidate opposition members. The council described the alleged conduct as a threat to democratic freedoms. Dan Iya had reportedly taken the matter to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police.
The ADC-PCC called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, and other security agencies to investigate the attack, secure the release of the two DSS personnel, and arrest those responsible. The council warned that failure to take decisive action within 24 hours would leave the party with no option but to pursue further lawful steps to protect its members and political rights.
The party described the conduct of the Sokoto Marshals as "banditry in uniform," stressing that it must not be tolerated in a democracy. The council's statement was shared on X, a social media platform. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Sokoto State and the role of state-owned security outfits.
The ADC-PCC's ultimatum has put pressure on security agencies in Sokoto State to take action against the operatives accused of attacking Dan Iya. The party's demand for action within 24 hours suggests that it is taking the matter seriously and is willing to take further action if necessary. The incident has also raised questions about the relationship between state-owned security outfits and political parties.
The outcome of the ADC-PCC's ultimatum and the actions taken by security agencies in Sokoto State will be closely watched. The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by political parties and their candidates in Nigeria, particularly in the area of security. The ADC-PCC's call for action against the Sokoto Marshals operatives accused of attacking Dan Iya is a test of the government's commitment to protecting democratic freedoms.
Key points
- The ADC-PCC has given Sokoto security agencies 24 hours to act against operatives accused of attacking its governorship candidate, Munir Dan Iya.
- The party accused the state-owned security outfit, Sokoto Marshals, of being used to intimidate opposition members.
- The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Sokoto State and the role of state-owned security outfits.
