On Tuesday morning in Sokoto State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) claimed that around 5,000 women and youths taking part in a peaceful rally for its 2027 governorship candidate were assaulted, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied the allegation and blamed ADC supporters for the clash.
According to a statement released by the ADC candidate Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, the procession began at roughly 10 a.m. from the Old Savannah Bank area and moved toward the party’s state secretariat. Dan’iya asserted that several women suffered injuries, some had their veils torn, and party vehicles were smashed with valuables taken. He identified Hon. S.A. Bajare, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto on Rural Roads, and APC Youth Leader Abdulrashid Baraka as the individuals he believes coordinated the attack. "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. He appealed to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police to launch an impartial investigation, identify the perpetrators, and ensure justice for the victims.
In response, Hon. Malami Muhammad Galadanchi Bajare rejected the accusations, describing them as fabricated attempts to tarnish the ruling party’s reputation. He argued that ADC supporters provoked the confrontation and that APC youths were the ones attacked, alleging that two motorcycles were seized – one of which was later returned. Bajare also noted that personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were present at the scene and could corroborate the APC’s version of events.
The clash has heightened political tensions in Sokoto ahead of the 2027 general elections, prompting calls from civil society and observers for a transparent inquiry. Both parties emphasized the need for peaceful assembly and warned that any recurrence of violence would undermine democratic processes.
The ADC reiterated its commitment to pursue its political agenda through lawful means, urging the state government to guarantee a safe environment for all political gatherings, irrespective of gender or party affiliation. The APC, meanwhile, maintained that it has a clean record of peaceful conduct over its twelve‑year presence in the Sokoto Central Senatorial District Zonal Office.
An unbiased investigation by security agencies is deemed essential to establish the facts, hold any offenders accountable, and restore confidence among the electorate as the state moves toward the upcoming elections.