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Hoodlums Attack El-Rufai’s ADC Coalition Meeting in Kaduna, Injure Several Members, Damage Vehicles

Kaduna, Nigeria — August 31, 2025

A political gathering organized by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its coalition partners, was violently disrupted on Saturday, August 30, 2025. The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of NUT Endwell in Mogadishu Layout, Kaduna, was marred by an attack from suspected hoodlums, resulting in multiple injuries and significant property damage.

The Incident

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, armed with cutlasses, clubs, and stones, stormed the venue during the inauguration of the coalition’s transition committee. Several attendees sustained injuries, and numerous vehicles, including that of Mr. El-Rufai, were vandalized. Viral videos and images circulating on social media depict the chaos and destruction that ensued. [1]

El-Rufai’s Reaction

Mr. El-Rufai, who was present during the attack, condemned the violence, describing it as a “dangerous descent into lawlessness.” He accused senior police officers at the scene, including an Assistant Commissioner of Police, of inaction, alleging they stood by as the thugs wreaked havoc. He vowed to escalate the matter to higher authorities, emphasizing the need to curb political thuggery in the state. [2]

Police Response

The Kaduna State Police Command stated that the meeting was convened without prior notification to security agencies, despite repeated warnings. According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, preliminary investigations suggest that the gathering led to clashes during which thugs allegedly attached to the former governor fired gunshots, causing chaos and disrupting public order. The command has since suspended all unauthorized political gatherings in the state to prevent further breakdown of law and order. [3]

Political Implications

The attack has intensified the political crisis within the Kaduna chapter of the ADC. A faction within the party, led by Hon. Adamu Dattijo, accused Mr. El-Rufai of hijacking the party and sidelining the duly elected state executive. They warned that his style of politics could destroy the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections. [3]

Public Outcry

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, condemned the attack, labeling it a pro-government-sponsored assault on democracy. He criticized the presence of armed policemen who allegedly failed to intervene during the incident. [4]

Conclusion

The violent disruption of the ADC coalition meeting in Kaduna underscores the escalating political tensions in the region. As investigations continue, stakeholders and citizens alike call for accountability and the restoration of democratic norms.

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Citations:

1. Peoples Gazette Nigeria: gazettengr.com/scores-wounded-as-hoodlums-attack-el-rufais-adc-coalition-meeting-in-kaduna/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Channels Television: www.channelstv.com/2025/08/30/thugs-disrupt-inauguration-of-adc-committee-in-kaduna/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Punch Newspapers: punchng.com/police-suspend-political-gatherings-after-attack-on-el-rufai/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Sahara Reporters: saharareporters.com/2025/08/30/lawyer-adeyanju-condemns-hoodlums-attack-el-rufais-coalition-meeting-kaduna?utm_source=chatgpt.com