Despite attacks on some of its members, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to continue its political activities across Kaduna State, warning that attempts to use violence or intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections will not stop the party.
The party said political competition must not be allowed to degenerate into thuggery, urging security agencies to investigate the incident and bring everyone involved to justice.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, following the attack on the party’s members in Kaduna.
Abdullahi described the incident as an unacceptable escalation, stressing that the ADC’s commitment to peaceful participation in the democratic process should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Let nobody mistake our commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness. No political party has a monopoly on non-state sanctioned violence. Once violence becomes an accepted instrument of political competition, nobody can predict where it ends,” the statement said.
The party argued that the development was particularly troubling because political activities for the 2027 elections were only beginning. It warned that allowing political thuggery to take root at this stage could create a wider security problem as the election approaches.
The ADC therefore called on security agencies to act immediately, saying those behind the attack should not only be identified but also prosecuted.
“This is why the security agencies must act now. Those responsible for the attack, as well as anyone who sponsored or organised it, must be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” the party said.
The opposition party also expressed solidarity with its Kaduna governorship candidate, Hon. Isa Ashiru, and other members affected by the incident.
The ADC called on the Kaduna State Government to provide a political environment where opposition parties can operate freely without intimidation, arguing that every political organisation should have equal opportunity to campaign and engage voters ahead of the election.
“Kaduna belongs to its people, not to any party. If anyone believes intimidation will frighten the ADC off the political field, they have badly miscalculated,” the party said.
It added that the incident would not force the party out of the political process or prevent it from reaching voters across the state.
“We will not be intimidated. We will organise, we will campaign, and we will compete in every part of Kaduna State. The 2027 elections must be decided by ideas competing at the ballot box, not by thugs and bruises,” the ADC said.
Reacting to the claims, the Kaduna Police Command explained the circumstances surrounding the dispersal of a crowd carrying African Democratic Congress, ADC, banners in Kaduna metropolis.
A statement by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, on Thursday in Kaduna said the incident occurred on Wednesday following a distress call from security personnel attached to Murtala Square, that some persons were attempting to forcefully gain entry into the premises.
But on arrival, the police observed a large number of persons carrying banners bearing the acronym “ADC”.
He said the police advised the group that anyone intending to hold an event or gain access to Murtala Square was required to follow due process and obtain the necessary authorisation from the management.
Hassan said the police subsequently withdrew from the area after the situation appeared to have been brought under control.
He, however, said the group later proceeded along WAFF Road towards NEPA Roundabout by Ahmadu Bello Way, one of the major commercial routes in the metropolis.
“The protesters blocked the roadway, resulting in severe traffic congestion and bringing vehicular movement to a standstill,” he said.
The PPRO said the obstruction led to frustration among the group, cyclists and motorists, resulting in agitation, confrontation and a breakdown of public order.
He said the police intervened to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation, adding that minimal and proportionate force, including tear gas, was used to disperse the crowd.
Hassan said the command respected the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
He, however, stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the ambit of the law.
He said citizens should not obstruct major public roads, threaten public safety or infringe on the rights of other members of the public.
The PPRO also clarified that the command had never attempted to stop any lawful political gathering or peaceful assembly.
He said the incident was a security situation at Murtala Square and not an attempt by the police to prevent political expression or association.
Hassan urged members of the public to disregard what he described as misleading narratives surrounding the incident and rely on verified information from the command.
