Police Seal ADC Office in Kaduna Hours Before Northwest Leaders’ Visit

Police operatives on Thursday sealed the office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna, just hours before the Northwest leadership of the party was scheduled to visit the state chapter on a commiseration mission.

The party leaders were expected in Kaduna to sympathise with members who were attacked by political thugs during a coalition meeting with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) last week. Witnesses said several police patrol vans were stationed around the ADC office at No. 4 Ali Akilu Road, effectively blocking access to the premises.

The violent attack last week targeted a transition meeting of the SDP and ADC, allegedly disrupted by thugs loyal to the state government. The incident left several people injured, damaged vehicles—including one belonging to former governor Nasir El-Rufai—and shattered windows at the NUT Endwell Conference Hall in Magadishu Layout. Despite police presence at the venue, the attackers reportedly carried out the assault unhindered.

Sources claimed that the state government had earlier pressured event centres to cancel bookings made by the opposition coalition. The attacks, according to political observers, reflect rising tensions between El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani.

In response to mounting restrictions on opposition activities, an ADC chieftain in the state, Yusuf Shehu Bello, has taken legal action against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police. Bello, through his lawyer Farouk Dikko, filed an interlocutory injunction at the Federal High Court in Kaduna seeking to stop police interference in political meetings.

He argued that the recent directive by the Kaduna Police Command requiring political parties to obtain prior notice before holding meetings in public spaces or hotels is unconstitutional. Bello maintained that the police should provide security for such gatherings rather than suspend or disrupt them, insisting the directive infringes on the fundamental right of association guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.