ADC candidate survives gun attack near Sokoto airport

Suspected gunmen opened fire on the convoy of ADC governorship candidate Manir Muhammad Dan’iya near Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on Friday night, October 30, 2026. The attack happened shortly after Dan’iya had escorted former Sokoto State Governor and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the airport.

Dan’iya escaped unhurt, but his bulletproof sports utility vehicles were damaged in the shooting. The Sokoto State Police Command said it received a report of the incident and promised necessary action.

“The growing tension, if left unchecked, could undermine democratic freedoms, threaten public safety and plunge the state into a dangerous political crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

Dan’iya alleged that Sokoto Marshal and Sokoto State Community Guard personnel blocked his convoy near the airport and prevented it from passing through. He said they claimed to be acting on directives from their superiors not to allow ADC members into Sokoto State.

The candidate’s statement also said two Department of State Services operatives attached to his security team were detained during the incident. Dan’iya described the attack as a threat to his personal safety and democratic freedoms.

The ADC held a press conference in Sokoto and warned that unchecked political violence could plunge the state into a dangerous crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party called on the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and the Sokoto State Government to investigate.

ADC Sokoto gubernatorial campaign council Director General Muhammad Bello Goronyo said gunshots were fired and vehicles in the convoy were smashed. The party demanded an independent investigation to identify those who fired the shots and determine whether any security commander or public official authorized the operation.

The ADC cited an alleged attack on its women during a peaceful solidarity march on October 28, when participants were reportedly injured, their phones snatched and vehicles damaged. It also alleged that its state campaign office was attacked.