Police and ADC clash at Kaduna campaign rally

Security operatives and supporters of the African Democratic Congress clashed in Kaduna on Wednesday as the party launched its campaign activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with police firing tear gas during a solidarity walk for the party's candidate, Isa Ashiru. The confrontation occurred around Murtala Square and later along WAFF Road toward the NEPA Roundabout on Ahmadu Bello Way, forcing participants to disperse. The two sides offered sharply different accounts of what happened. Ashiru, in a statement issued through his spokesman, Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, alleged that personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service disrupted the rally, harassed and intimidated participants, and confiscated some members' phones and other valuables. He said two female ADC members sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The party described the gathering as a peaceful demonstration by thousands of unarmed supporters and accused the APC-led government of deploying security operatives and hired thugs to break up the walk, citing constitutional protections for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.