POLITICAL tension is escalating in Kaduna State after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly distanced itself from a controversial political event linked to former governor Nasir El-Rufai, while the police opened an investigation into alleged violence and gunfire during the gathering.
In a statement released on Saturday and signed by Engr. Musa Idris, the Kaduna State Publicity Secretary of the ADC made available to News Point Nigeria, the party dismissed the so-called “Official Inauguration Ceremony of the Kaduna State APC, PDP, SDP, LP, NNPP to ADC Transition Committee” as fraudulent and illegitimate.
“The ADC in Kaduna State has no knowledge of and is not part of this so-called inauguration. 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,” the statement read.
The party stressed that El-Rufai is not a registered member of the ADC and therefore lacks the authority to organize events in its name.
Elder Patrick Ambut, the ADC Kaduna State Chairman, explained that the former governor had previously promised to complete his membership registration after the last 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 stated.
The party reaffirmed that it remains under its recognized executive leadership and would not allow any individual 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 ADC leadership emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command confirmed it had launched a full-scale investigation into the controversial event following reports of violence and gunfire.
DSP Mansir Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer, said preliminary findings showed that the meeting, allegedly linked to the former governor led to a violent clash involving political thugs who fired gunshots, creating panic and disrupting public peace.
“The Command has commenced an extensive investigation into the alleged political violence meeting hosted by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the gathering led to a clash, during which political gangsters allegedly fired shots, disrupting public peace,” Hassan revealed.
He further disclosed that the event was held without prior notification to security agencies, despite repeated warnings.
The police also cautioned hotels and event centres against hosting unauthorized political gatherings, warning that they would be held accountable for any resulting breakdown of law and order.
“Anyone found culpable, no matter how highly placed, will face the full weight of the law,” the spokesperson warned.
The Kaduna ADC leadership urged the party’s national executive to urgently intervene in order to prevent further division and manipulation of its structures in the state.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, peace, and democratic processes, the party vowed to resist attempts to hijack its mandate.