The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Sokoto State Government of alleged complicity in an attack on its female members in Sokoto metropolis, during which a branded campaign truck was seized and a ransom allegedly demanded.
The council called on security agencies to investigate the incident, arrest the perpetrators and prosecute those responsible, warning that political thuggery could fuel banditry, robbery and terrorism.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ADC-PCC Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the women were ambushed by suspected political thugs armed with dangerous weapons during a peaceful campaign activity.
According to the council, the attackers seized the campaign vehicle and allegedly demanded N1 million, threatening to burn it if the money was not paid.
One of the victims alleged that security agencies failed to intervene despite being alerted to the incident.
“We called the attention of the security agencies to the incident and they did nothing,” she said.
The victim added that the women paid part of the money in cash and transferred the balance to an account provided by the attackers before the truck was released.
She also expressed concern that the incident allegedly occurred in the presence of police officers without any action being taken against the perpetrators.
Reacting, Ologbondiyan condemned the alleged attack as barbaric and cowardly, describing it as a threat to democratic participation, particularly women’s involvement in politics.
“Our party will not stand aloof and watch our members being attacked. Let this be the last time. Nobody has a monopoly of madness,” he warned.
He cautioned political actors against recruiting thugs to intimidate opponents, warning that such groups could turn to violent crimes after election seasons.
“We have all witnessed how recruited thugs turn out after every election season, graduating into banditry, robbery and terrorism. Let us not encourage today what will hunt us tomorrow, as we are already witnessing now,” he said.
The ADC-PCC urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police to investigate the allegations, hold those responsible accountable and ensure a safe and level playing field for all political parties.
It stressed that political differences must never be used to justify violence, intimidation or the unlawful seizure of campaign property.