Clash Between Police and ADC Supporters in Kaduna as Campaigns Kick Off

Tension flared in Kaduna on Wednesday. Security forces clashed with supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This happened during a solidarity walk for the party’s governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, in the state capital.

The clash took place at Murtala Square. ADC supporters had gathered for a march to mark the start of the party’s campaign for the 2027 governorship election.

The ADC accused the police and the state government of sending security agents and alleged political thugs to break up what they called a peaceful gathering.

They claimed that tear gas was fired at their supporters, causing injuries and forcing participants to flee.

A government official, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, had a different story. He said the police stepped in to keep order and protect residents and property.

Efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to get the police's side of the story were unsuccessful. Calls to the police spokesperson did not connect.

In a statement signed by Mr Ashiru, the ADC’s governorship candidate, the party described their gathering as a peaceful demonstration. They said “thousands” of supporters showed up.

The ADC stated that the protesters came “not with weapons, not with stones, not with incitement.” They were there to support the ADC and call for a better Kaduna.

The party claimed that the APC-led government sent security agents and “hired thugs” to disrupt their walk.

They also accused the police of using tear gas against unarmed supporters.

The ADC pointed to Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution. These sections protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. They argued that using force against their supporters violated 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 mentioned a past Kaduna High Court ruling. This ruling said that attempts by the police to stop political gatherings are unconstitutional.

The party promised to continue their political activities despite the clash.

“We will continue to assemble. We will continue to speak. We will continue to organise. We will continue to walk,” Mr Ashiru declared.

The unnamed government official said the police acted to prevent violence and protect the public.

He explained that security agencies were worried that hoodlums might exploit the gathering to damage properties and disrupt normal activities in the city.

Some eyewitnesses told PREMIUM TIMES that many supporters were injured in the clash and that tear gas was used to disperse them.

These accounts could not be independently verified right away.

This incident comes at a politically sensitive time for Kaduna. Campaigns for the 2027 governorship and State House of Assembly elections officially started on 9 September.

The clash happens as Kaduna prepares for what could be one of the most competitive governorship elections in northern Nigeria.

Governor Uba Sani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is running for a second term. Mr Ashiru is also back in the race after losing in 2019 and 2023.

Mr Ashiru contested the 2023 election with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and finished second to Mr Sani.

He later joined the ADC and won their governorship primary in May 2026 with 86,113 votes.

The ADC has been working to strengthen its campaign organization.

Mr Ashiru appointed John Ayuba, a former Kaduna commissioner and university lecturer, as Director-General of his campaign council. Other officials are also tasked with operations and administration.

He also chose former Kaduna State lawmaker, Irimiya Kantitok, as his running mate.

The party’s campaign is gaining strength from political shifts involving former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who has left the APC and joined the ADC.

Mr Sani enters the race with the advantage of being the incumbent and has the political structure of the ruling APC on his side.

He secured the APC governorship ticket with 459,393 votes through an affirmation process.

The governor’s camp has also brought in several politicians previously linked to opposition parties. This is strengthening the APC's setup ahead of the election.

On Wednesday, the Kaduna APC announced the start of its governorship and State House of Assembly campaign. They said the focus will be on the achievements of the Sani administration, avoiding personal attacks on opposition candidates.