KADUNA: The African Democratic Congress ADC has accused the Kaduna State Government of political intolerance and complicity in last weekend’s violent attack on its members, warning that the unchecked assault signals a dangerous descent into political thuggery and lawlessness.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the NUT Endwell Conference Centre during the inauguration of the ADC Coalition Transition Committee, left several members injured and property destroyed after suspected thugs stormed the venue.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday, Chairman of the Coalition of ADC Stakeholders in the Northwest, Malam Lawal Batagarawa, described the incident as “a barbaric, well-coordinated act of political terrorism.”
“The perpetrators of this cowardly act and their sponsors are known to the security agencies. We demand their immediate arrest and prosecution. Any delay will only embolden further violence and deepen insecurity in Kaduna State,” he declared.
The ADC also took aim at security operatives, particularly the police, accusing them of complicity and gross dereliction of duty for allegedly failing to respond promptly during the assault.
Rejecting reported directives banning political gatherings in hotels, conference centres, and other public spaces, the party insisted such restrictions were unconstitutional and designed to muzzle opposition voices.
“The growing harassment and intimidation of opposition figures by security agencies is unacceptable. Kaduna State is becoming a theatre of fear where opposition parties are treated as enemies,” the communiqué stated.
The party further warned that the Kaduna incident was not isolated, citing the alleged attack on the convoy of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami SAN, in Kebbi State on September 1, and the disruption of a Katsina elders’ meeting on September 2.
“These are clear signs of a disturbing pattern of political intolerance and violent suppression across the Northwest. Democracy cannot thrive where opposition is silenced through intimidation and bloodshed,” Batagarawa stressed.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai, reacting to reports of a court injunction allegedly restraining political meetings, said neither he nor his associates had been served.
“We heard about the court order, but no one has served us. Out of respect for the law, we complied. However, we will challenge this up to the Supreme Court if necessary. Our constitutional rights cannot be trampled upon,” he said.
The ADC vowed to press ahead with its activities through peaceful and legal means, insisting that it would not be cowed by violence or intimidation as Nigeria moves toward the 2027 general elections.
