2027: Ashiru Alleges Attack On ADC Members As Police Cite Traffic, Security Concerns

The 2027 governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State, Mohammed Ashiru, has accused security operatives of attacking members of the party during a rally in Kaduna, prompting a denial from the state government and an explanation from the police.

Ashiru, in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesman, Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, alleged that ADC members and supporters were harassed and intimidated during Wednesday’s rally organised by the Arise & Shine Isa Ashiru Support Group to mark the flag-off of the party’s governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns.

He specifically alleged that operatives of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS) disrupted the gathering and that some participants had their phones and other valuables taken.

Ashiru also alleged that two female members of the party sustained injuries during the incident and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

He condemned the alleged action, arguing that KADVIS, as a state-supported security outfit, should protect citizens and maintain order during lawful public gatherings rather than interfere with political activities.

Ashiru said the organisers had obtained the necessary permits from relevant law-enforcement authorities before proceeding with the rally, describing the reported incident as unacceptable.

He urged KADVIS and other security agencies in the state to remain professional, impartial and politically neutral, stressing that political differences should not degenerate into violence or intimidation.

“Political competition is not a war. We may belong to different political parties and hold divergent views, but we remain citizens of the same Kaduna State and must learn to resolve our differences through dialogue, persuasion and the ballot box,” he said.

Ashiru called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and urged the authorities to prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation or status.

He also appealed to ADC members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, saying the party would continue to pursue its political objectives through democratic means.

However, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, said KADVIS operatives did not attack residents participating in a lawful campaign rally.

Shu’aibu said KADVIS personnel were professionally trained and would not act outside the law, while stressing the need for political organisers to secure the necessary approval and security arrangements before holding rallies.

“I can assure you is that KADVIS members are professionally trained and they will not behave in a manner that is not consistent with the law,” he said.

He added that the lifting of the ban on political campaigns had placed security agencies on heightened alert, particularly over the possibility of criminal elements hijacking political gatherings.

“You know, we are in a very tight situation now particularly because of the lift of the ban on campaigns across the board. So the government, and particularly the security agencies will have to be very careful with regards to whoever is conducting rally in any manner whatsoever, so that hoodlums will not hijack it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command said the dispersal of a crowd linked to the ADC in the Kaduna metropolis was triggered by security concerns and the obstruction of a major road.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, the command said it received a distress call from security personnel at Murtala Square over an alleged attempt by a group of unknown persons to forcefully gain entry into the premises.

Hassan said police personnel were deployed to prevent a breach of security and maintain public order.

According to him, officers who arrived at the scene found a large crowd carrying ADC-branded banners and advised them that anyone seeking to hold an event or gain access to Murtala Square was required to follow due process and obtain the necessary authorisation from the management.

He said the police subsequently withdrew after the situation appeared to have stabilised.

Hassan, however, alleged that the group later moved along WAFF Road towards the NEPA Roundabout on Ahmadu Bello Way, one of the major commercial routes in the metropolis.

The police spokesman said the crowd subsequently blocked the roadway, causing severe traffic congestion and disrupting vehicular movement.

The command maintained that its intervention was aimed at restoring public order and ensuring the safety of residents, rather than stopping lawful political participation.