Sokoto Political Crisis: Group Petitions Muslim World League Over Alleged Attacks on ADC, Demands Probe of Wamakko

A Nigerian political advocacy group, Arewa Transformational Leader, has petitioned the Muslim World League over alleged political violence and intimidation in Sokoto State, calling for an investigation into the activities of former governor and serving senator, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.

The group, in a petition to the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, accused the Sokoto political establishment of creating an atmosphere allegedly hostile to opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

It urged the international Islamic organisation to examine Wamakko’s political influence and alleged links to individuals accused of attacking opposition supporters, as well as determine whether his conduct is consistent with the League’s principles of peace, justice, moderation and dialogue.

The petition, signed by Muhammed Umar on behalf of Arewa Transformational Leader, recalled that Wamakko’s appointment to the League’s council was publicly reported in 2014, arguing that his association with an organisation committed to promoting peace makes the allegations worthy of institutional scrutiny.

The group listed a series of incidents between October 28 and November 2, 2026, which it said demonstrated growing threats to political participation in Sokoto.

It alleged that women participating in a peaceful ADC solidarity procession on October 28 were violently attacked, leaving several of them seriously injured.

The petition identified one Aliyu KC and his associates, whom it described as political thugs allegedly associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), as responsible for the attack.

It called for their investigation, arrest and prosecution, while urging authorities to establish whether other individuals organised, financed or protected their activities.

The group also alleged that the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, came under attack on October 30, with several vehicles reportedly damaged.

In another development, the petition claimed that the Sokoto State Government sealed the ADC campaign office on November 2, two days before the party’s scheduled presidential campaign flag-off on November 4.

Arewa Transformational Leader argued that the incidents, taken together, raised serious concerns about the safety of opposition members and the freedom of political parties to organise campaigns and engage supporters.

The petition further questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported release of Aliyu KC and his associates from prison, demanding an examination of the legal basis for their release and the role of any public officials or political intermediaries involved.

It also called for an investigation into allegations that APC stakeholders had mobilised individuals to disrupt ADC activities and procured motorcycles for their operations.

However, the group acknowledged that the claims concerning the alleged mobilisation and procurement of motorcycles were unverified and should be treated separately from the specific attacks it cited.

On Wamakko’s alleged political responsibility, the group argued that his influence as a leading APC figure in Sokoto places an obligation on him to discourage violence, restrain supporters and promote accountability.

It accused the state administration and APC leadership of suppressing opposition participation but stressed that allegations of Wamakko’s personal involvement, encouragement or protection of perpetrators must be subjected to an impartial investigation.

The group consequently asked the Muslim World League to formally seek the senator’s response to the allegations, including his knowledge of the incidents and the steps he had taken to prevent violence among individuals operating within his political sphere of influence.

It also requested an independent institutional review, with opportunities for victims, their lawyers and other affected persons to submit evidence.

Among its demands, the group urged the League to consider appropriate disciplinary measures under its regulations, including suspension or termination of Wamakko’s association with the organisation, if the findings and applicable rules justified such action.

It further called on the League to intervene by promoting non-violence, protecting peaceful political participation and encouraging cooperation with lawful investigations.

The petition urged the organisation to obtain a public commitment from Wamakko to these principles, warning that political influence must not be used to shield individuals responsible for violence.

As part of its submission, Arewa Transformational Leader said it had enclosed a hard drive containing photographs and video recordings intended to support some of the allegations.

The group requested an acknowledgement of the complaint, an opportunity to brief designated officials of the Muslim World League and a written explanation of the steps the organisation intends to take.

It maintained that the allegations raised questions beyond partisan politics, insisting that the protection of human dignity, peace and democratic participation required accountability from political leaders and institutions.

There was no response from Wamakko or the Sokoto State Government contained in the petition. The allegations have not been independently verified, and no findings establishing the senator’s personal involvement in the reported attacks were provided in the document.