Enough of Attacks on ADC Members in Kaduna, Ashiru Warns Uba Sani, APC

The Kaduna State gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has condemned what he described as the repeated attacks, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of the party across the state.

Ashiru expressed concern over reports of attacks on ADC members who had turned out to receive him following his return from a two-week Lesser Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, describing the incident as unacceptable and a dangerous threat to democratic participation and the right of citizens to freely associate with and support the political party or candidate of their choice.

The gubernatorial candidate’s reaction followed a renewed incident in which ADC members were reportedly attacked, while several vehicles were vandalised by APC political thugs.

According to reports, the attackers were conveyed in a branded “Renewed Hope” 18-seater bus and a Hilux vehicle. They were reportedly armed with dangerous weapons and allegedly caused mayhem before being sighted entering the Kaduna State Secretariat of the Renewed Hope at about 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday.

The position was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday by Ashiru’s spokesman, Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi.

In the statement, Ashiru warned the Kaduna State Government and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against allowing political differences to degenerate into violence, intimidation or the suppression of opposition voices.

According to him, “Enough is enough. Kaduna belongs to all of us, and no political party has the right to prevent citizens from supporting the party or candidate of their choice.”

Ashiru stressed that the ADC remains committed to an issue-based campaign focused on presenting credible alternatives and offering the people of Kaduna State a better vision for governance.

He said the growing support for the ADC should be met with political engagement, accountability and healthy competition, rather than intimidation, harassment or confrontation.

The ADC candidate therefore called on Governor Uba Sani to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that all political parties and their supporters are allowed to conduct their legitimate activities peacefully and without fear.

He also urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the reported attacks and destruction of property involving ADC members and supporters, and to ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation.

Ashiru further appealed to ADC members and supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding and disciplined, assuring them that the party would continue to defend their democratic rights through lawful and constitutional means.

“We will not be intimidated, and we will not be provoked into violence. Our response will remain the ballot, the issues and the people. Kaduna deserves a peaceful, competitive and credible democratic process,” he said.

He called on all political actors in Kaduna State to place the peace, security and stability of the state above partisan interests, stressing that violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society.