The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Kaduna State Police Command of attempting to criminalise legitimate political activity after violent attacks disrupted the party’s inauguration in Kaduna.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said armed thugs stormed its meeting venue, attacking members while police failed to protect them.
The party described the subsequent police statement as “political rather than professional.”
“The Kaduna police rushed to link ADC to ‘political gangsters’ even while claiming investigations had just begun.
This contradiction undermines justice and democracy,” the statement read.
The party also faulted claims that the gathering was “unauthorised,” insisting that freedom of assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution.
The party further condemned threats against hotels and event centres that host political meetings without police clearance.
“It amounts to intimidation of private citizens and denial of opposition parties’ access to lawful spaces,” the party argued.
Calling for a transparent investigation, the ADC stressed: “Democracy is not a crime. Selective policing is. We will not be intimidated into silence.”