Youths and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were yesterday tear-gassed by security operatives during a rally and solidarity walk for the party’s Kaduna State governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru.
The incident occurred around Murtala Square and later along WAFF Road towards the NEPA Roundabout on Ahmadu Bello Way, as supporters took part in activities organised by the Arise and Shine Isa Ashiru Support Group to mark the flag-off of the party’s 2027 governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns on Wednesday evening.
Ashiru condemned the use of tear gas, describing the action as an attack on members exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and political participation.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, Ashiru alleged that KADVIS personnel disrupted the rally, harassed and intimidated participants, and confiscated some members’ phones and other valuables.
He added that two female ADC members sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Ashiru stated that the incident was unacceptable, emphasizing that political competition must not be allowed to degenerate into violence or intimidation.
‘We strongly condemn the reported attack on our members. Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are prevented from freely expressing their political choices through violence or intimidation,’ he said.
The ADC governorship candidate added: ‘Political competition is not a war. We may belong to different political parties and hold divergent views, but we remain citizens of the same Kaduna State and must learn to resolve our differences through dialogue, persuasion, and the ballot box.
However, the Kaduna State Police Command stated that tear gas was deployed after ADC supporters allegedly blocked a major road and caused a breakdown of public order.
In a statement issued yesterday by its spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, the command noted that it had received a distress call from security personnel attached to Murtala Square, reporting that an unknown group was attempting to force its way into the premises.
According to the police, officers dispatched to the scene encountered a large crowd carrying ADC banners. They advised the group that anyone wishing to hold an event or gain entry to Murtala Square must obtain the necessary authorization from management.
The command said its personnel initially withdrew after the situation appeared to be under control. However, the group later moved along WAFF Road towards the NEPA Roundabout on Ahmadu Bello Way, where they allegedly blocked the roadway.
‘The obstruction caused frustration among cyclists and motorists, leading to agitation, confrontation, and a breakdown of public order,’ the police said.
The command stated that officers intervened to restore normalcy and ‘used minimal and proportionate force, including the deployment of tear gas, to disperse the crowd.’
The police emphasized that they had not attempted to stop any lawful political gathering or peaceful assembly, adding that while citizens have the constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, these rights must be exercised responsibly and without obstructing major public roads or threatening public safety.
Ashiru called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident, urging authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation or status.