ADC Accuses Security Operatives of Attacking Members at Kaduna Rally
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused Kaduna State security operatives of attacking its members during a rally, prompting denials from the state government and explanations from the police. The ADC condemned the incident as an "unacceptable escalation," warning against violence in the 2027 electoral process and calling for a thorough investigation.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Mohammed Ashiru, has accused security operatives of attacking and intimidating party members during a campaign rally in Kaduna.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, operatives of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS) disrupted the rally organised by the Arise & Shine Isa Ashiru Support Group, allegedly confiscating phones and other valuables, while two female party members reportedly sustained injuries requiring medical treatment.
Ashiru condemned the alleged actions, insisting that the organisers had obtained the necessary permits and that KADVIS should protect citizens rather than interfere with lawful political activities.
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, denied that KADVIS personnel attacked participants, saying the operatives were professionally trained and operated within the law.
The Kaduna State Police Command offered a different account, saying officers dispersed an ADC-linked crowd after receiving a distress call over an alleged attempt to force entry into Murtala Square and later intervened when the group reportedly moved onto WAFF Road and Ahmadu Bello Way, obstructing traffic.
Police spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan said the intervention was intended to restore public order and protect residents, not to prevent lawful political participation.
The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, condemned the incident as an “unacceptable escalation” and warned against allowing political violence to become part of the 2027 electoral process.
The party called for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible, including any alleged sponsors, while urging the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to protect opposition parties and their supporters.
ADC said it would continue to organise and campaign across Kaduna State and insisted that the 2027 election should be decided by voters through the ballot box rather than intimidation or violence.