Two persons believed to be supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were allegedly shot by operatives of the Sokoto State Community Guards on Wednesday as supporters of the party gathered in large numbers for the presidential campaign flag-off of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in Sokoto. The incident occurred along the Sokoto–Wurno Road amid heightened political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The alleged shooting happened when operatives of the Community Guards barricaded the road linking Sokoto metropolis with the eastern part of the state, forcing vehicles conveying ADC supporters to turn back as they made their way to the campaign venue along Illorin Road. Eyewitnesses alleged that the operatives opened fire following an altercation involving occupants of one of the vehicles conveying supporters to the rally.
Two persons reportedly sustained gunshot injuries and were subsequently rushed to a hospital for medical attention. A source said it took the intervention of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) personnel in the convoy of Senator Ibrahim Lamido, coordinator of the Sokoto State ADC Presidential Campaign Council, before vehicles were allowed to pass through the checkpoint.
The Sokoto State Police Command, however, said it had yet to receive information about the alleged shooting. The command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, who was contacted over the incident, said he could not confirm the report. This incident has further raised concerns over the safety of political supporters and the freedom of movement during campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite the reported disruption along the route, ADC supporters turned out in large numbers at the campaign venue, where the slogan, "Tinubu Must Go", reverberated across the gathering. The chant reflected the opposition supporters' rejection of President Bola Tinubu's administration and their demand for political change. Many of the supporters were said to have travelled from different parts of Sokoto State to participate in the campaign flag-off and express solidarity with Atiku's presidential ambition.
The rally also provided a platform for supporters to air their grievances over the country's economic situation, particularly the rising cost of living, hunger and persistent insecurity. Atiku pledged to tackle insecurity, hunger and the rising cost of living if elected president in 2027. He announced the launch of his presidential campaign in a statement posted on his X account, expressing appreciation to supporters for the reception accorded him in Sokoto.
Atiku described the Sokoto rally as the beginning of what he called a journey to rescue Nigeria, urging supporters to unite behind his ambition. The campaign flag-off marks part of the ADC's efforts to consolidate its support base and mobilise voters across the country ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The alleged shooting and disruption of supporters' movement have brought renewed attention to the responsibility of security agencies to protect citizens and ensure that political parties can conduct their activities without intimidation or violence.
Key points
- Two persons were allegedly shot by Sokoto State Community Guards operatives during Atiku Abubakar's presidential campaign rally in Sokoto.
- The incident has raised concerns over the safety of political supporters and the freedom of movement during campaign activities.
- Atiku Abubakar pledged to tackle insecurity, hunger and the rising cost of living if elected president in 2027.
