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•APC, ADC trade allegations over violence
From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections has heightened in Kaduna State following separate allegations of attacks, vandalism and intimidation involving supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The latest development has drawn the intervention of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Kaduna State Chapter, which has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the reported incidents and urged political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint.
The development followed allegations by the ADC that its members and supporters were attacked during a political activity in Kaduna, with several vehicles reportedly vandalised.
The ADC gubernatorial candidate in Kaduna State, Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru, condemned what he described as repeated attacks, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of the party across the state.
Ashiru, who spoke through his Media/Spokesman, Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, said the latest incident occurred as ADC supporters gathered to receive him following his return from a two-week Lesser Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
He described the reported attack as “unacceptable” and warned against allowing political differences to undermine citizens’ right to participate freely in the political process.
“Enough is enough. Kaduna belongs to all of us, and no political party has the right to prevent citizens from supporting the party or candidate of their choice,” Ashiru said.
According to the statement, the alleged attackers were conveyed in a branded “Renewed Hope” 18-seater bus and a Hilux vehicle and were reportedly armed.
The ADC further alleged that the group caused a disturbance before being sighted entering the Kaduna State Secretariat of the Renewed Hope at about 3:50 p.m. penultimate Tuesday.
Ashiru called on Governor Uba Sani and the APC leadership in the state to demonstrate leadership and ensure that political activities are conducted peacefully.
He also urged security agencies to investigate the reported attacks and destruction of property and prosecute anyone found culpable, irrespective of political affiliation.
But the APC has rejected any suggestion that it was responsible for attacks on ADC supporters and instead accused opponents of attacking its own members, offices and support groups.
In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Sani Dan Azare, the Kaduna APC condemned what it described as attacks on its members and the vandalism of its party offices and the offices of its support groups.
The party alleged that vehicles were vandalised during an attack within its premises and further claimed that some of its members and supporters were assaulted and intimidated in other parts of the state.
Rather than trading accusations, the APC called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate the incidents.
“Various claims and allegations have emerged in connection with these incidents,” Dan Azare said. He urged the security agencies to “independently examine every credible lead and all relevant evidence brought before them.”
The APC spokesman said Kaduna had made progress in moving beyond political, ethnic and religious tensions that had previously affected the state.
“These hard-earned gains must not be endangered by violence, intimidation, vandalism or any other unlawful conduct,” he said.
The party also appealed to its members and support groups to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
“We urge our members and support groups across Kaduna State to remain calm, exercise maximum restraint and refrain from retaliation or self-help,” Dan Azare said.
He added: “No political contest is greater than the peace and security of Kaduna State. Let the facts be established. Let due process prevail. Let the law take its course.”
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Amid the competing allegations, IPAC Kaduna has called for a thorough investigation into what it described as two separate incidents of alleged political violence reported in the state.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Mikailu Abubakar, the council said one of the reports concerned an alleged attack on ADC members and supporters, including claims of vehicle damage and intimidation during a political activity.
A separate report, according to IPAC, alleged that the headquarters of the Mafita Progressive Leadership Network was attacked, with claims of vandalism, destruction of property, injuries and theft of money.
IPAC stressed that the allegations remained unproven until established by the appropriate authorities.
“These are serious allegations, but they remain allegations until established by the appropriate authorities through a proper investigation,” the council said.
The organisation urged security agencies to “urgently, professionally and impartially investigate both incidents and establish what actually happened.”
It further called for anyone found to have committed an offence to be dealt with according to the law, regardless of political party, position or affiliation.
IPAC also cautioned political parties and their supporters against making premature accusations capable of worsening tensions.
“The people of Kaduna deserve facts, justice and peace,” the council said.
The council appealed directly to chairmen of political parties, candidates and their supporters to take responsibility for the conduct of their members as the 2027 electoral process gathers momentum.
“Political competition must never become a competition in violence,” IPAC warned.
It urged party leaders to discourage the use of thugs, weapons, threats, destruction of property, intimidation and retaliation.
The council also advised political actors to report alleged offences to security authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands.
According to IPAC, the responsibility for maintaining a peaceful political environment rests not only with political parties but also with candidates, supporters, security agencies, government institutions, civil society organisations and citizens.
“We may belong to different political parties and support different candidates, but we are all Nigerians and citizens of Kaduna State,” the council said.
It added that political differences should be resolved through dialogue, lawful political activities and ultimately through the ballot box.
As the competing accounts continue to emerge, the focus is now on the security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents and determine whether criminal offences were committed.
For Kaduna, a state with a history of politically sensitive communal tensions, the latest allegations have renewed calls for restraint as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.
IPAC summed up its appeal with a warning to all political actors: “No political victory is worth the destruction of lives, property or the peace of our communities.”
The council said Kaduna belongs to everyone and that every citizen has the right to support the political party or candidate of their choice within the law.
“Our politics must be about ideas, policies and service to the people, not violence,” IPAC said.
