Police Invite el-Rufai, ADC Leaders Over Alleged Conspiracy

The Kaduna State Police Command has summoned former governor, Nasir el-Rufai, and several leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over alleged criminal conspiracy, incitement, disturbance of public peace, mischief, and causing grievous harm.

A letter dated September 4 and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Uzainu Abdullahi, directed el-Rufai and others to appear at the State CID on September 8 to clarify allegations brought against them.

Others listed include Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed (“30”), Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita, and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (“Mikiya”).

However, ADC Northwest Vice Chairman, Jafaru Sani, said most of those invited only became aware of the development through social media.

The summons followed the police sealing of the ADC secretariat on Ali Akilu Road, Kaduna, hours before a scheduled visit by the party’s Northwest leaders. The visit was meant to sympathise with members allegedly attacked by political thugs last week. Eyewitnesses reported heavy police presence around the premises.

ADC Condemns Attacks, Accuses Police of Complicity

ADC leaders have condemned what they described as “a violent and coordinated attack” on members during the inauguration of the party’s Coalition Transition Committee on August 30 at the NUT Endwell Conference Centre, Kaduna.

Addressing journalists at el-Rufai’s residence, Malam Lawal Batagarawa, former Minister of State for Defence, alleged that security agencies failed to protect party members and, in some cases, aided the attackers.

“Instead of safeguarding lives and property, police were slow to act and, in some instances, helped the attackers,” Batagarawa claimed, warning of a “dangerous slide into dictatorship.”

He also condemned new restrictions barring political gatherings in hotels and public halls, describing them as unconstitutional.

ADC further linked the Kaduna incident to a wider pattern of intolerance in the Northwest, citing the September 1 attack on former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami’s convoy in Kebbi and the disruption of a Katsina elders’ meeting on September 2.

APC, Tinubu Allies Hit Back

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-Central leaders dismissed the opposition coalition as a “vehicle with old drivers and faulty engines.” Speaking in Abuja, Nasarawa APC chairman Aliyu Bello insisted the ruling party was focused on implementing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that economic stability was already being achieved.

Similarly, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmed, declared there would be “no vacancy in Aso Rock” in 2027, praising Tinubu’s reforms as laying a permanent foundation for Nigeria’s future.

Backing her, Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group, Umar Tanko Yakasai, described the opposition coalition as “a pack of dominoes” made up of politicians with discredited records, insisting the administration’s achievements would secure Tinubu’s re-election.