Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has strongly condemned the recent attacks on Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), and Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, the governorship candidate of ADC in Sokoto State. In a statement released on Saturday, Atiku described the incidents as deeply troubling and unacceptable, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to intimidate opposition figures. The attacks have raised concerns about the shrinking civic space in Nigeria and the safety of opposition leaders.
The incident involving Sowore occurred on Friday afternoon at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti, after he participated in a radio interview at MIDAS FM 90.5. The Ekiti State Police Command initially dismissed the incident as an "altercation" but later confirmed the attack and announced the arrest of 11 suspects on Friday night. Sowore alleged that the attackers came from the Government House and received operational support from the DSS, although these allegations have not been independently verified.
In Sokoto, Dan'iya's convoy was attacked around 9 pm on Friday near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, shortly after escorting former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport. According to his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and Sokoto State Community Guard Corps blocked Dan'iya's convoy, claiming to act on orders from above to stop ADC members from entering the state. The convoy was allegedly fired upon, and Dan'iya's bulletproof SUVs were damaged.
Atiku Abubakar linked the attacks to a broader pattern of shrinking civic space in Nigeria, citing continued attacks on opposition figures and the disappearance of critical social media influencers. He expressed concern that while President Bola Tinubu is away on a spiritual pilgrimage, political actors loyal to his party are allegedly unleashing terror on opponents at home. Atiku emphasized that these incidents signal a dangerous slide toward a censored state where the opposition is crushed by the brute force of the current government.
The ADC presidential candidate demanded immediate and transparent investigations into both attacks, calling on the Tinubu government to refrain from any attempt to muzzle the opposition. He also alleged harassment of ADC supporters in Sokoto by a local security outfit, stating that his supporters are being manhandled simply for wearing ADC merchandise. Atiku emphasized that Nigerians must be allowed to freely participate in an electoral contest that will determine the fate of the current administration.
The APC in Sokoto has dismissed the claims of an attack on Dan'iya's convoy as propaganda linked to preparations for a traditional title ceremony. However, the Sokoto Police Command confirmed receiving the report and stated that an investigation is ongoing. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of opposition leaders and the overall security situation in the country ahead of the general elections.
Atiku Abubakar concluded by stating that his party will resist every ongoing attempt to cancel political opposition in Nigeria. He emphasized that the ruling APC has failed in its mandate and called for a free, fair, and competitive contest in the forthcoming general elections. The incidents have sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for an end to the intimidation of opposition figures and a return to democratic norms.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar condemns attacks on Omoyele Sowore and Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, linking them to APC's intimidation of opposition figures.
- The incidents have raised concerns about the shrinking civic space in Nigeria and the safety of opposition leaders.
- Atiku demands immediate and transparent investigations into both attacks and calls for a free, fair, and competitive contest in the general elections.
