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.
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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.
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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.
ADC accuses police of disrupting peaceful march
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.
“The people of Kaduna are not children to be scattered with canisters. They are not subjects to be cowed by hired muscle. They are citizens,” Mr Ashiru said in the statement.
The ADC also referred to a previous Kaduna High Court ruling which it said declared attempts by the police to suspend political gatherings unconstitutional.
The party vowed to continue its political activities despite the incident.
“We will continue to assemble. We will continue to speak. We will continue to organise. We will continue to walk,” Mr Ashiru said.
Government says police intervened to prevent breakdown of law and order
The government official, who doesn’t want his name to be mentioned because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, however, said the police intervened to prevent violence and protect members of the public.
The official said the security agencies acted because of concerns that hoodlums could take advantage of the gathering to destroy the property of innocent residents and disrupt normal activities in the city.
Some people who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES also said several supporters were injured during the confrontation and that tear gas was used to disperse the crowd.
The accounts could not immediately be independently verified.
The incident comes at a politically sensitive moment for Kaduna, with campaigns for the 2027 governorship and State House of Assembly elections officially beginning on 9 September.
Kaduna enters a heated 2027 contest
The confrontation comes as Kaduna enters what is expected to be one of the most competitive governorship contests in northern Nigeria.
Governor Uba Sani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking a second term, while Mr Ashiru is running again after unsuccessful bids in 2019 and 2023.
Mr Ashiru contested the 2023 election for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and finished second to Mr Sani.
He later moved to the ADC and won its governorship primary in May 2026 with 86,113 votes.
The ADC has since moved to strengthen its campaign organisation.
Mr Ashiru appointed John Ayuba, a former Kaduna commissioner and university lecturer, as Director-General of his campaign council, alongside other officials responsible for operations and administration.
He has also selected former Kaduna State lawmaker, Irimiya Kantitok, as his running mate.
The party’s campaign is also drawing strength from the political realignment involving former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who has left the APC and joined the ADC.
READ ALSO: Beyond the ribbon: The questions Nigeria’s 2027 campaign must answer, By Dakuku Peterside
APC relies on incumbency
Mr Sani, meanwhile, enters the contest with the advantage of incumbency and the political structure of the ruling APC.
He secured the APC governorship ticket through an affirmation process in which he received 459,393 votes.
The governor’s camp has also attracted several politicians who were previously associated with opposition parties, strengthening the APC’s structure ahead of the election.
On Wednesday, the Kaduna APC announced the commencement of its governorship and State House of Assembly campaign, saying it would focus on the achievements of the Sani administration rather than personal attacks on opposition candidates.
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