The Kaduna State Police Command has opened an investigation into a political gathering allegedly involving factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), said to be linked to former Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
The meeting reportedly degenerated into violence with sporadic gunshots.
The command announced a suspension of all unauthorised political gatherings in the state and warned that hotels, event centres, and related facilities would henceforth be held liable for hosting political events without notifying security agencies.
According to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Mansir Hassan, the violence occurred after a meeting said to have been convened under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform without prior notice to security agencies.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the gathering led to a clash, during which thugs and political gangsters attached to the former governor allegedly fired gunshots, causing chaos and disruption of public order and peace in the state,” Hassan said.
The spokesman added that the command “will not spare anyone found culpable, no matter how highly placed,” and confirmed that ADC leaders had disowned the gathering.
“According to the party officials, they denied knowing of any meetings and refuted the claim of the organisers. The ADC leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law and distanced themselves from the claims of the former governor,” Hassan stated.
He warned that “any hotel, event centre, or similar facility that permits political meetings or gatherings without prior notification to the Police or other relevant security agencies will equally be held liable. This measure is to ensure due process is followed and to prevent thugs or miscreants from hijacking such gatherings.”
The police said all unauthorised gatherings were suspended until proper security arrangements were made “in the interest of peace and public safety.”
Violence reportedly broke out at the inauguration of a transition committee formed by opposition parties when suspected thugs stormed the venue, attacking participants and vandalising property. Several people were injured, and vehicles destroyed, though the inauguration proceeded under tense conditions.
El-Rufai, who attended the event, denounced the violence, describing it as “a dangerous descent into lawlessness.” He accused senior police officers, including an Assistant Commissioner, of standing by while thugs unleashed mayhem.
“If the authorities don’t end the introduction of thuggery into Kaduna politics, God help us. Nobody has a monopoly on violence or thugs. We will take decisive steps to ensure this does not repeat itself,” he said.
The former governor vowed to escalate the matter to the Police Service Commission (PSC), alleging regulatory violations by officers who failed to intervene.
Reacting, ADC National Vice Chairman (North-West) Jafaru Sani described the attack as “sad and unfortunate,” noting Kaduna’s history of political violence.
“We will never be intimidated or forced to retreat. We will continue to pursue our political activities with all the energy and commitment we have,” he said.
However, Kaduna State APC Secretary Alhaji Yahaya Baba-Pate denied any involvement, insisting that “the APC does not sponsor or support political thuggery. The ADC and other opposition groups are free to carry out their activities without harassment.”
