ADC-PCC Accuses APC, Sokoto Government Over Alleged Attack on Female Members, Seizure of Campaign Truck

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 reportedly seized.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the ADC-PCC Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan.

According to the council, the women were ambushed by suspected political thugs while participating in a peaceful campaign activity. The attackers allegedly harassed the women and seized their campaign vehicle.

One of the alleged victims claimed that security agencies were alerted to the incident but failed to intervene meaningfully.

“We called the attention of the security agencies to the incident and they did nothing,” the victim said.

She further alleged that the attackers demanded ₦1 million, threatening to burn the campaign truck if the money was not paid.

According to her, the women were forced to pay part of the amount in cash and transfer the balance to an account provided by the alleged attackers before the vehicle was released.

The victim also expressed concern that the incident allegedly occurred in the presence of police officers, who she claimed took no action against those involved.

Reacting to the allegations, Ologbondiyan condemned the reported attack, describing it as barbaric and cowardly. He said the incident posed a serious threat to democratic participation, particularly the involvement of women in politics.

He called on security agencies to fulfil their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, regardless of political affiliation.

The ADC-PCC spokesman also demanded an immediate investigation into the incident, the arrest of those responsible and their prosecution in accordance with the law.

“Our party will not stand aloof and watch our members being attacked. Let this be the last time. Nobody has a monopoly of madness,” Ologbondiyan warned.

He further cautioned political actors against allegedly recruiting and deploying thugs to intimidate political opponents, warning that such practices could have far-reaching consequences beyond election periods.

“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 council urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police to investigate the allegations, ensure accountability and guarantee a safe and level playing field for all political parties.

It maintained that political differences should not be used to justify violence, intimidation or the unlawful seizure of campaign property.

The allegations against the APC and the Sokoto State Government were made by the ADC-PCC in its statement. The claims, including the alleged failure of security personnel to intervene, were not independently verified in the information provided.