Political tensions have escalated in Kaduna State following a controversial political gathering reportedly organized by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disowned the event, distancing itself from the former governor and denouncing the inauguration as illegitimate.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has launched an investigation into reports of violence and gunfire at the scene.
In a statement released on Saturday, the ADC Kaduna chapter, through its Publicity Secretary, Engr. Musa Idris, categorically rejected what was termed the “Official Inauguration Ceremony of the Kaduna State APC, PDP, SDP, LP, NNPP to ADC Transition Committee.” The party stated that it was neither informed about nor involved in the event.
“The ADC in Kaduna State has no knowledge of and is not part of this so-called inauguration,” the statement read.
“Neither the State Executive Committee nor stakeholders across the 23 LGAs were consulted. This is yet another divisive move by Malam Nasir El-Rufai and his allies.”
The party emphasized that El-Rufai is not a registered member of the ADC and has no authority to act on its behalf.
Elder Patrick Ambut, ADC State Chairman, revealed that El-Rufai had promised to finalize his registration with the party following recent bye-elections but failed to do so.
“Instead of formally joining the party, he has continued to portray himself as our leader and has created unauthorized positions not recognized by the ADC Constitution. This is misleading and unacceptable,” Ambut said.
He reaffirmed that the ADC remains under the control of its legitimate leadership and would resist any attempt to destabilize its internal structure or distract from preparations for the 2027 general elections.
“The event in question is illegitimate and should be disregarded by party members, coalition partners, and the general public,” the party stated.
In response to the alleged violence at the venue, the Kaduna State Police Command confirmed that it has opened an investigation.
Police spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan said officers are looking into reports of gunfire during the meeting and that political thugs may have been involved in disrupting public peace.
“The Command has initiated a thorough investigation into the reported political gathering allegedly hosted by former governor Nasir El-Rufai,” DSP Hassan said.
“Initial findings suggest that the event led to a confrontation involving armed political thugs.”
He added that the event was held without prior notice to the police, in defiance of repeated warnings to political groups.
He cautioned hotels and event venues to avoid hosting unauthorized political meetings or risk being held liable.
“No matter how highly placed, anyone found guilty of breaching the law will face appropriate sanctions,” Hassan warned.
The ADC leadership called on the party’s national body to intervene promptly to prevent further internal division and reaffirmed its commitment to lawful and peaceful political engagement.
