By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
A violent assault on a leading APC social media influencer near the Jigawa State Government House has exposed unsettling fractures within the ruling party and raised serious questions about political tolerance in the state.
Umar Basheer Danalbarka, known for his outspoken criticism of local government projects and political narratives, was brutally beaten late Thursday at a car wash in Dutse.
Witnesses say he was overwhelmed by a group of men wielding sticks and canes, who fled immediately after passersby intervened.
From his hospital bed, Danalbarka pointed the finger at none other than Ambassador Salisu Seeker, the Senior Special Assistant on Student Affairs to the Jigawa Governor, alleging the attack was politically motivated.
“I was attacked for exposing the truth about government projects and their mismanagement,” Danalbarka said. “Ambassador Seeker led the thugs and threatened my life.”
Danalbarka’s recent posts challenged the state government’s claim to the Greater Dutse Water Project, asserting it was fully funded by the federal government. He also criticized a ₦1 billion solar streetlight project that reportedly failed due to poor quality materials.
Despite his allegations, attempts to reach Ambassador Seeker were fruitless. While calls went unanswered, a brief SMS reply said, “I didn’t know.”
More concerning is the police response. The Jigawa Police Public Relations Officer, SP Lawal Shi’isu Adamu, told National Update he had no knowledge of the attack, suggesting the case might not have been reported.
“I just heard about it from you,” SP Adamu said.
This apparent disconnect between political violence and law enforcement response raises alarms about accountability and protection for citizens—especially politically active ones.
Danalbarka vowed to seek justice, underscoring the dangers of a political climate where dissent is met with violence and official denial.
“No one is above the law,” he insisted. “This attack is an attack on democracy itself.”
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, this incident casts a shadow over political freedom in Jigawa, signaling a potential increase in intimidation tactics against critics and opposition voices.