The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has demanded the arrest of operatives of the Sokoto marshals over an alleged attack on its governorship candidate, Munir Dan-Iya.
The council also gave security agencies 24 hours to apprehend those responsible, ensure the candidate’s safety and secure the release of two State Security Service (SSS) personnel reportedly abducted during the incident.
The demands were contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan.
The ADC-PCC said the attack occurred on Airport Road, Sokoto, on Thursday as Dan-Iya returned to the city after accompanying former Governor Aminu Tambuwal from the airport.
It alleged that operatives of the state-owned security outfit attacked the candidate’s convoy and vandalised several vehicles, including his personal SUV.
The council further alleged that two SSS personnel attached to the candidate were abducted during the incident.
It said Dan-Iya had reported the incident to the state Commissioner of Police, urging him to investigate and apprehend those responsible.
The council also alleged that operatives of the security outfit had been stationed at various historic gates into Sokoto metropolis since the incident, harassing motorists and targeting vehicles bearing ADC posters and party symbols.
Describing the incident as unacceptable, the ADC-PCC said it reflected what it called a growing pattern of political intimidation and violence against its members and opposition figures.
It also expressed concern that a security outfit established and funded with public resources was allegedly being used to intimidate political opponents.
The council called on the Inspector-General of Police, the state Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
It reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement and the rule of law, but warned that failure to meet its demands would compel the party leadership to take further lawful steps to protect its members and political rights.
