ADC candidate accuses opposition supporters of attacking women

Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, a candidate for governor of Sokoto State representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has alleged that supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) attacked approximately 5,000 women and youths during a peaceful rally. The rally commenced near Old Savannah Bank and was en route to the ADC state secretariat in Sokoto when the incident allegedly occurred.

Dan'iya's media representative, Aminu Abdullahi, conveyed the candidate's condemnation of the act, branding it an assault on democracy and women's right to engage in peaceful political engagements. The ADC candidate alleged that numerous women sustained injuries, some had their veils torn, and that ADC vehicles sustained damage.

He further claimed that valuables were stolen during the occurrence. Dan'iya accused APC chieftain S.A. Bajare and the party's youth leader, Abdulrashid Baraka, of orchestrating or leading the assault. He urged the police to investigate the allegations and hold accountable those found responsible. "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 asserted. He solicited the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police to initiate an immediate inquiry, identify the suspects, and apprehend those implicated in the alleged attack. Dan'iya also implored the state government to implement measures to deter future political violence and guarantee that all entities can conduct lawful activities without intimidation.

He questioned the rationale behind targeting women at a peaceful rally, especially when similar gatherings led by male supporters had not faced similar incidents. Meanwhile, Malami Muhammad Galadanchi Bajare, Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto on Rural Roads, refuted the allegations, labeling them as fabricated claims to deflect responsibility.

Bajare contended that the APC Sokoto Central Senatorial District Zonal Office had been operational for over a decade without its members committing any breach of peace. He countered Dan'iya's account, alleging that opposition party members were responsible for attacking APC youths. Bajare further alleged that the ADC members seized two motorcycles, although one was later returned.

He added that officers from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were present and witnessed the incident involving supporters from both parties.