Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the reported attacks on Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), and Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State. Atiku condemned the incidents, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of intimidating opposition politicians and their supporters. He described the attacks as "deeply troubling and unacceptable", warning that such incidents could threaten Nigeria's democratic process.
Atiku alleged that the attacks exposed the extent to which the APC administration was prepared to suppress opposition leaders and their supporters. He expressed concern over the continued attacks on opposition figures and the unexplained disappearance of critical social media influencers. According to him, the developments raised concerns about a possible attempt to silence dissenting voices and weaken opposition activities in the country.
The attacks on Sowore and Dan'iya occurred in separate incidents. Sowore accused individuals allegedly linked to the Ekiti State Government House and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of being involved in an attack on him and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He alleged that the attack occurred shortly after he completed an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti.
Sowore claimed that suspected political thugs descended on his team following the radio appearance, accusing DSS operatives of providing tracking and operational support to the attackers. He also alleged that DSS operatives had been trailing and harassing him and members of his team since their arrival in Ekiti State on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, reportedly escaped unhurt after gunmen opened fire on his convoy near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto. Dan'iya accused personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard of obstructing his convoy before gunshots were fired.
Atiku called for immediate and transparent investigations into the reported attacks, insisting that the government must guarantee a political environment where all parties can freely participate in the forthcoming general elections. He also raised concerns over alleged harassment of ADC supporters in Sokoto State, claiming that a local security outfit had been targeting party members.
Atiku warned that the government must not allow security agencies or other groups to become instruments for intimidating political opponents. He declared that Nigerians must be allowed to freely participate in an electoral contest that would determine the country's political future.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar condemns attacks on opposition politicians.
- The attacks raise concerns about Nigeria's democratic process.
- Atiku calls for investigations into the attacks.
