Violent Attack Disrupts El-Rufai’s ADC Coalition Meeting In Kaduna.
Kaduna, Nigeria – A political gathering organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, led by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, was violently disrupted on Saturday by suspected government-sponsored thugs. The attack, which took place at the NUT Endwell Conference Hall in the Magadishu Layout, left several attendees injured and numerous vehicles, including one reportedly belonging to El-Rufai, with smashed windscreens.
The incident occurred during a transitional leadership meeting of the ADC and Social Democratic Party (SDP) coalition, aimed at consolidating opposition forces in Kaduna ahead of upcoming elections. Eyewitnesses reported that the thugs stormed the venue despite the presence of armed police officers, who had allegedly been deployed by the state government to prevent the gathering. The assailants attacked participants, damaged property, and caused chaos, with some coalition members sustaining severe injuries.
The Kaduna State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the violence, describing the meeting as unauthorised due to the organisers’ failure to notify security agencies beforehand. DSP Mansir Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that preliminary findings suggest “political gangsters and thugs” linked to El-Rufai were involved in firing gunshots, disrupting public peace. He emphasised that no one, regardless of status, would be spared if found culpable, and warned that venues hosting such gatherings without prior security clearance could face liability.
The ADC leadership, however, distanced itself from the meeting, denying any official involvement and reaffirming their commitment to lawful political activities. The state government, through Commissioner of Information-designate Ahmed Maiyaki, dismissed allegations of orchestrating the attack as “baseless and mischievous,” accusing El-Rufai’s coalition of attempting to discredit Governor Uba Sani’s administration. Maiyaki pointed to the government’s focus on development projects, such as the ongoing construction of township roads in Chikun, as evidence of its commitment to progress rather than political violence.
The attack has heightened tensions in Kaduna, where El-Rufai’s coalition has faced resistance from both the state government and rival opposition groups. The SDP recently refuted claims that its Kaduna structure had collapsed into the ADC, with State Chairman Adamu Idris calling El-Rufai’s assertions “false and politically motivated.” Local residents expressed dismay at the violence, with many calling for calm and urging political leaders to prioritise dialogue over confrontation.
As the investigation continues, the incident underscores the fragile political climate in Kaduna, with fears that such clashes could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections. The police have vowed to ensure justice, while the state government insists that democracy in Kaduna remains robust despite the actions of “political leftovers” seeking to sow discord.