Atiku Condemns Attacks on Sowore and Sokoto ADC Candidate Manir Dan'iya

Labels: News, Politics, Nigeria (Illustrative image) Party flags and an empty podium before a crowd at a Nigerian political gathering. (Image: Fo) Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned recent attacks on two opposition figures, Omoyele Sowore and the African Democratic Congress candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Dan'iya, describing the incidents as a dangerous escalation of political violence ahead of future elections. Atiku's statement comes as concerns grow over the safety of opposition politicians and activists in the run-up to the 2027 general elections. What Attacks Is Atiku Condemning? The first incident is the assault on Omoyele Sowore, the activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, who was attacked in a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. Sowore was in Ekiti for political engagements when a group confronted him in the eatery, an attack widely condemned by civil society groups and opposition politicians, Punch reported. Sowore himself has said the attackers were politically motivated and has demanded accountability from the authorities. The second incident involves Manir Dan'iya, the ADC's candidate in Sokoto State, who was attacked in what his party described as an assault on the opposition's right to campaign freely. Atiku's statement linked both incidents, arguing that a pattern is emerging in which opposition voices face intimidation without consequence, Channels Television reported. What Did Atiku Say? In his statement, Atiku said violence against political opponents has no place in a democracy and called on security agencies to investigate both attacks and hold those responsible to account. He warned that if harassment of opposition figures continues unchecked, it will poison the political climate ahead of the 2027 elections and discourage participation. His condemnation adds to growing pressure on the authorities from opposition leaders, civil society organisations and professional bodies who want the two cases treated as matters of public safety rather than ordinary altercations. What Happens Next? The Ekiti State police command has said it is looking into the attack on Sowore, and the ADC has called for a full investigation of the Sokoto incident. Rights groups say the response of the authorities in both states will be a test of whether politically motivated violence is treated with the seriousness the law prescribes. With the 2027 cycle approaching, every such incident is being watched closely by parties and observers alike. Frequently Asked Questions What happened to Sowore in Ado-Ekiti? He was attacked by a group inside a restaurant in the Ekiti State capital while on political engagements; police say they are investigating. Who is Manir Dan'iya? He is the African Democratic Congress candidate in Sokoto State, who was attacked in an incident his party links to political intimidation. What did Atiku say? He condemned both attacks, called for investigations and accountability, and warned that unchecked harassment of opposition figures damages democracy ahead of the 2027 elections. Sources: Punch, Channels Television.