The African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Sokoto State have traded accusations over an alleged attack on party supporters during a rally.
The ADC governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, alleged that about 5,000 women and youths participating in a rally in support of his 2027 governorship ambition were attacked on Tuesday.
According to a statement by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the incident occurred at about 10 a.m. when ADC supporters began a procession from the Old Savannah Bank area towards the party’s state secretariat in Sokoto.
The ADC alleged that APC supporters disrupted the procession, injuring several women, tearing some of their veils, smashing vehicles and stealing valuables. The allegations had not been independently verified.
Dan’iya condemned the alleged attack and called on security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone 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,” he said.
However, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Rural Roads, Malami Muhammad Galadanchi Bajare, denied the allegations against the APC, describing them as fabrications intended to damage the party’s image.
Bajare alleged that ADC supporters attacked APC youths and seized two motorcycles, one of which he said was later returned.
He added that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, were present at the scene and could provide accounts of the incident.