ADC Disowns El-Rufai as Police Probe Violence at Kaduna Event

Political tension is mounting in Kaduna State after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) distanced itself from an inauguration event linked to former governor Nasir El-Rufai, even as police opened an investigation into reported violence at the gathering.

In a statement issued Saturday, ADC Kaduna State Publicity Secretary, Engr. Musa Idris, said the party had no knowledge of what was described as the “Official Inauguration Ceremony of the Kaduna State APC, PDP, SDP, LP, NNPP to ADC Transition Committee.” He said neither the State Executive Committee nor stakeholders across the 23 local government areas were consulted, describing the event as another attempt by El-Rufai and his associates to destabilize the party.

The ADC leadership stressed that El-Rufai is not a registered member of the party and has no authority to organize events under its banner. State Chairman Elder Patrick Ambut noted that while the former governor once pledged to formalize his registration after recent bye-elections, he never fulfilled the commitment. Instead, Ambut accused El-Rufai of parading himself as a leader of the ADC and creating positions not recognized in the party’s constitution, calling the move “fraudulent and unacceptable.”

The party emphasized that its structures remain under the control of its recognized executive and reaffirmed that it will not allow any individual to undermine its preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Members and the public were urged to disregard the inauguration, which the ADC described as illegitimate.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command confirmed it has begun investigating reports of violence at the event. Police spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan said preliminary findings revealed that political thugs fired gunshots during the gathering, disrupting public peace. He noted that the meeting was held without notifying security agencies despite earlier warnings, and cautioned hotels and event centres against hosting unauthorized political activities.

“Anyone found culpable, no matter how highly placed, will face the full weight of the law,” Hassan warned.

The ADC leadership also appealed to its national body to intervene urgently to prevent further division within the party.