By: Manoah kikekon
KADUNA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing critique against the Kaduna State Police Command, accusing it of both failing to protect its members from a violent attack and attempting to criminalize legitimate political activities.
The condemnation follows a weekend incident where armed thugs violently disrupted the party's inauguration event in Kaduna. In a statement released by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed outrage at the police's official response, calling it a "troubling attempt to pre-judge individuals and cast the opposition as lawless."
The party sharply criticized the police's claim that the political gathering was "unauthorized," asserting that the constitutional right to peaceful assembly is fundamental and does not require police permission.
“In a democracy, the right to assemble peacefully is guaranteed by the Constitution, not a State Police Command,” the ADC's statement emphasized.
The party also condemned the police's warning to hold hotels and event centers accountable for hosting "unauthorized" political meetings, labeling the move an intimidation tactic designed to stifle democratic freedoms and opposition voices.
Furthermore, the ADC challenged the police command's blanket suspension of such gatherings, arguing it represents a dangerous overreach that gives security agencies a veto over democracy itself.
The ADC firmly denied any involvement in the violence, stating, “Our party remains committed to peaceful, issue-based politics.” They have demanded the Kaduna Police immediately retract their initial statement and launch a transparent investigation into the attack, questioning why their officers allegedly failed to protect party members.
The statement concluded with a rebuke: “Democracy is not a crime. Selective policing is,” and called on citizens to reject growing acts of violence and intimidation against opposition parties.