Suspected gunmen opened fire on the convoy of African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan'iya near Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto State on Friday night, October 30, 2026. Dan'iya escaped injury in the attack, which occurred around 9pm shortly after he accompanied former Sokoto State Governor and Senator for Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the airport.
Allegations of Coordinated Blockade
In a statement released through his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan'iya alleged that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard positioned themselves to block his convoy and prevent it from moving through the airport area. The operatives reportedly claimed they were acting on orders from superiors not to allow ADC members into Sokoto State.
According to the statement, efforts by his security team to de-escalate the standoff failed before shots were fired, damaging his bulletproof sports utility vehicles. Two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives assigned to his protection were also allegedly detained during the confrontation.
Candidate Demands Answers
Dan'iya said he had earlier that day noticed unusual deployments of Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard personnel at several entry points into the state, where vehicles displaying ADC markings were reportedly turned back.
"If security personnel can block a gubernatorial candidate, fire gunshots during a confrontation, damage his vehicle and detain officers assigned to his protection, then the people of Sokoto deserve urgent answers. No one should be above the law, and no security outfit should be used to threaten political opponents," Dan'iya was quoted as saying.
Federal Authorities Urged to Intervene
Following the incident, Dan'iya visited the state Commissioner of Police to formally report what happened. He called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS to investigate the matter, identify those who gave any unlawful orders, and secure the immediate release of the detained DSS operatives if they remained in custody.
He urged the Sokoto State Government to account for the alleged directives attributed to the security personnel and ensure that state-controlled outfits operate without political interference. Dan'iya also appealed to the Federal Government, the National Assembly, human rights organisations and the international community to take note of the situation.
The state police spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufae, said the command would take necessary action, adding that anyone found responsible would face consequences under the law. Despite the incident, Dan'iya called on his supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation, saying he would continue to pursue his political ambitions through lawful means.
The allegations in Dan'iya's statement had not been independently verified at the time of this report. The Sokoto State Government, the Sokoto Marshal and the Community Guard had not publicly offered their account of the events.
