The African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has accused suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, of attacking about 5,000 women and youths during a peaceful rally in the state.
The rally, held on Tuesday, began around 10 am near the Old Savannah Bank area and was heading towards the ADC state secretariat in Sokoto when it was allegedly disrupted.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on democracy and the right of women to participate in peaceful political activities.
He alleged that several women were injured, some had their veils torn, and vehicles belonging to the ADC were damaged. He also claimed that valuables were stolen during the incident.
The ADC candidate accused APC chieftain S.A. Bajare and the party’s youth leader, Abdulrashid Baraka, of allegedly leading or coordinating the attack. He called on the police to investigate the allegations and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
“There is absolutely no justification for attacking women who are exercising their democratic rights peacefully. Anyone who believes in democracy must condemn this shameful conduct without reservation,” Dan’iya said.
He urged the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police to launch an immediate investigation, identify the suspects and arrest those found to have taken part in the alleged attack.
Dan’iya also called on the state government to take steps to prevent further political violence and ensure that all parties can conduct lawful activities without intimidation.
He questioned why women attending a peaceful rally were allegedly targeted, particularly when similar gatherings organised by male supporters had reportedly not faced such incidents.
The candidate said the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and association, adding that no political group should prevent others from exercising these rights.
However, Malami Muhammad Galadanchi Bajare, Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto on Rural Roads, denied the allegations, describing them as fabricated claims by the ADC to shift blame.
Bajare said the APC Sokoto Central Senatorial District Zonal Office had operated for more than 12 years without its members causing any breach of peace.
He countered the ADC’s account, alleging that members of the opposition party were responsible for attacking APC youths. He further claimed that the ADC members seized two motorcycles, although one was later returned.
Bajare added that officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, were present and witnessed the incident involving supporters of both parties.