Political tension is rising in Kaduna State after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) disowned a controversial event linked to former governor Nasir El-Rufai, while the police launched an investigation into allegations of violence and gunfire at the gathering.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the ADC Kaduna State Publicity Secretary, Engr. Musa Idris, the party dismissed the so-called “Official Inauguration Ceremony of the Kaduna State APC, PDP, SDP, LP, NNPP to ADC Transition Committee.”
“The ADC in Kaduna State has no knowledge of and is not part of this so-called inauguration,” the statement declared. “Neither the State Executive Committee nor stakeholders across the 23 local government areas were consulted. This is another clear manifestation of the divisive and destabilizing activities of Malam Nasir El-Rufai and his allies.”
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The party maintained that El-Rufai was not a registered member of the ADC and therefore had no right to organize events in its name.
Elder Patrick Ambut, the State Chairman, explained that the former governor had promised to complete his registration with the party after recent bye-elections but failed to do so.
“Instead of fulfilling his promise, he has continued to parade himself as our leader while creating positions that have no basis in the ADC Constitution. This is fraudulent and unacceptable,” Ambut said.
The statement further emphasized that the ADC in Kaduna remains under its recognized executive leadership and would not allow anyone to undermine its structures or preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The so-called inauguration is illegitimate and of no consequence. We call on our members, coalition partners, and the public to disregard it,” the party stressed.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command confirmed that it had begun investigating the event after receiving reports of political thugs firing gunshots during the meeting.
“The Command has commenced an extensive investigation into the alleged political violence meeting hosted by former governor Nasir El-Rufai,” said DSP Mansir Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer. “Preliminary findings indicate that the gathering led to a clash, during which political gangsters allegedly fired shots, disrupting public peace.”
The Police PRO noted that the meeting was held without prior notification to security agencies despite repeated warnings. He also cautioned hotels and event centres against hosting unauthorized political gatherings, saying they would be held accountable for any breakdown of law and order.
“Anyone found culpable, no matter how highly placed, will face the full weight of the law,” the Police Spokesperson warned.
The ADC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and called on the party’s national leadership to urgently intervene to prevent further division.
