The Kaduna State Police Command has suspended all unauthorised political gatherings across the state after a violent clash erupted at a meeting attended by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, the police said the decision was aimed at preventing further threats to public peace following the incident, which saw political thugs attack and injure participants.
Preliminary investigations, according to the statement, revealed that the meeting was held without prior notification to security agencies. Hassan alleged that the violence was instigated by thugs loyal to El-Rufai, who reportedly fired gunshots and caused widespread panic.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the gathering led to a clash, during which thugs and political gangsters attached to the former governor allegedly fired gunshots,” said Hassan.
“In the interest of public safety, all such unauthorised gatherings are suspended until due process and adequate security arrangements are made.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has since distanced itself from the event, with party leadership denying any official involvement and claiming the organisers were not acting on its behalf.
Sources say the violence broke out during the inauguration of a transition committee initiated by opposition figures in the state. Armed attackers reportedly stormed the venue with cutlasses, clubs, and stones, leaving several people injured and damaging vehicles.
Despite the chaos, the event continued under tense conditions. Eyewitnesses accused police officers at the scene of failing to intervene, even as the violence unfolded.
El-Rufai, who was present at the venue, condemned the attack and accused senior police officials of standing by. He specifically alleged that an Assistant Commissioner of Police removed his name tag and took no action to stop the violence.
“The police were complicit. The Assistant Commissioner was present, watching as people were attacked and property destroyed. He even removed his name tag a clear violation of police rules. We will escalate this matter,” El-Rufai said.
The incident comes amid growing internal tensions within the Kaduna chapter of the African Democratic Congress.
A faction of the party, operating under the name “Concerned ADC Members, Coalition Partners and Stakeholders,” has accused El-Rufai of attempting to seize control of the party and marginalise its elected leadership.
Led by Hon. Adamu Dattijo, the group warned that El-Rufai’s actions could split the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We call on national leaders to safeguard the unity of the ADC in Kaduna and ensure all political activities follow legitimate party structures,” Dattijo said.
In response, Kaduna APC Secretary Alhaji Yahaya Baba-Pate denied any involvement in the violence, stating that the ruling party had no ties to the individuals responsible.
The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and promised to bring all perpetrators to justice, regardless of their political affiliations or status.
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