Tension erupted in Kaduna on Wednesday as security operatives and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) clashed during a solidarity walk for the party’s governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, in the state capital. The confrontation occurred at or around Murtala Square as ADC supporters gathered for a solidarity march to signal the beginning of the party’s campaign activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The ADC accused the police and the state government of using security operatives and alleged political thugs to disrupt what it described as a peaceful gathering. The party said tear gas was fired at its supporters, leaving some injured and forcing participants to disperse. But a government official, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, offered a different account, saying the police intervened to prevent a breakdown of law and order and to protect residents and property.
Efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to obtain the police’s version of the incident were unsuccessful as calls to the command’s spokesperson did not go through. In a statement signed by Mr Ashiru, the ADC governorship candidate, the party described the gathering as a peaceful demonstration by “thousands” of its supporters.
The party said the protesters had gathered “not with weapons, not with stones, not with incitement” but to express support for the ADC and demand what it called a better Kaduna. The ADC alleged that the APC-led government deployed security operatives and “hired thugs” to disrupt the walk. It also accused the police of firing tear gas at unarmed supporters.
The party cited Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association, arguing that the use of force against its supporters amounted to a violation of their constitutional rights.