Dan’iya condemns alleged APC thug attack on 5,000 ADC women, demands arrest as APC chieftain denies allegations
Dan’iya condemns alleged APC thug attack on 5,000 ADC women, demands arrest as APC chieftain denies allegations
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship Candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has condemned in strong terms the alleged violent attack on about 5,000 women and youths of the party who organized a peaceful rally in support of ADC leadership and his 2027 governorship ambition.
The rally, according to the party, commenced around 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday from the Old Savannah Bank area towards the ADC State Secretariat in Sokoto, but was allegedly disrupted by individuals described as APC thugs.
In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya described the incident as a disgraceful assault on democratic participation and the rights of women to engage in peaceful political activities.
He alleged that several women sustained injuries during the disruption, some had their veils torn, ADC-owned vehicles were smashed, and valuables were carted away.
The statement further identified Hon. S.A. Bajare and APC Youth Leader, Abdulrashid Baraka, as individuals alleged to have led or coordinated the attackers, calling on the police to investigate the allegations thoroughly and impartially.
“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.
Dan’iya called on the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police to launch an immediate investigation, identify and arrest anyone found culpable, and ensure justice for the victims. He warned that the ADC would not accept intimidation, political violence or destruction of its property as the price for participating in democracy.
He also urged the Sokoto State Government to take decisive steps to prevent further attacks and to ensure a safe environment for all political parties and their supporters to carry out lawful activities.
The ADC governorship candidate questioned why women participating in a peaceful rally were allegedly targeted, particularly when similar rallies organized by male supporters had reportedly not resulted in comparable incidents.
“Why should our women be attacked for expressing their political choice? If those behind this violence truly believe they enjoy majority support, what are they afraid of? Democracy is not secured through intimidation, torn veils, injured women or smashed vehicles. It is secured through ideas, persuasion and the votes of the people,” he stated.
Dan’iya stressed that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and association, and that no political group has the authority to prevent law-abiding citizens from exercising those rights.
He reaffirmed that the people of Sokoto are known for their peaceful and law-abiding disposition and called on political leaders across party lines to restrain their supporters, reject thuggery, and allow every party to organize lawful political activities without fear, warning that continued intimidation would only deepen political tension and undermine public confidence in democracy.
“The ADC will not be intimidated, and the political rights of our women will not be negotiated away. We demand justice for those injured, accountability for those responsible, and a clear commitment from the authorities that such attacks will not be repeated. Sokoto belongs to all its people — not to any political party or group of individuals.
“We will continue to pursue our political mission peacefully, lawfully and confidently, and we expect the police and the state government to do their duty,” Dan’iya declared.
Reacting to the allegations, the Special Adviser to Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto on Rural Roads, Hon. Malami Muhammad Galadanchi Bajare, rejected the accusations, describing them as mere fabrications by a party desperately looking for scapegoats.
Hon. Bajare insisted that the APC Sokoto Central Senatorial District Zonal Office has been in existence for over twelve years and there has never been any breach of peace caused by its members.
According to him, contrary to the allegations by the ADC governorship candidate, it was the agents of ADC who attacked APC youths, allegedly seizing two motorcycles and returning only one later.
Hon. Bajare added that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were on ground and were living witnesses to what transpired between the two parties.
