The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Vanguard has strongly condemned the violent disruption of a peaceful gathering convened by its leader, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, in Kaduna State, describing the attack as a direct assault on democracy and constitutional freedoms.
According to eyewitness reports and video evidence, suspected political thugs allegedly linked to ruling party interests stormed the venue of the meeting, scattering participants and attempting to silence El-Rufai’s voice. The ADC Vanguard said the incident underscores the growing trend of intimidation tactics aimed at suppressing opposition voices in the state.
In a statement issued by its Media Directorate, the group described the attack as cowardly and reckless, stressing that El-Rufai, a statesman and respected political figure, has every right to peaceful assembly and free expression under Nigeria’s Constitution. “To unleash violence on him and his supporters is a desperate act that exposes the fear of those unwilling to engage in open debate,” the statement read.
The ADC Vanguard called on security agencies in Kaduna to rise above partisanship and ensure justice is served. It urged law enforcement to act with fairness, neutrality, and integrity by arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators, warning that failure to do so would further erode public trust in state institutions.
“This is not politics, it is desperation. Shielding perpetrators of political violence only deepens instability and weakens faith in democracy,” the group cautioned.
Reaffirming its commitment to non-violence, the Vanguard pledged to pursue every lawful avenue to hold those behind the attack accountable. It also called on civil society groups, the media, and the international community to take note of the growing threats to Nigeria’s democratic space, warning that silence in the face of such actions amounts to complicity.
To its supporters, the group sent a message of encouragement, urging them to remain resilient and unwavering in their pursuit of a just and democratic Nigeria. “No act of intimidation will stop this movement. Our resolve to defend democracy and the rule of law is unshakable,” it emphasized.
📩 For more details on this and other stories, visit stonereportersnews.com
🌍 Contact us: info@stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNews
Add comment
Comments