News Investigators/ The Kaduna State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Isa Ashiru, has called for investigation into an alleged attack on party members during a rally in Kaduna.
Mr Ashiru made the call in a statement issued by his Media/Spokesperson, Mr Abdulwaheed Adubi, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday.
According to the statement, some ADC members and supporters were allegedly attacked during a rally in Kaduna town organised by the Arise & Shine Isa Ashiru Support Group to commemorate the flag-off of the party’s governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns.
It alleged that members of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS) disrupted the rally and harassed and intimidated some participants.
The statement further alleged that some participants had their phones and other valuables taken during the incident.
Mr Ashiru also alleged that two female ADC members sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
He expressed concern over the alleged incident, noting that KADVIS, as a state-supported security outfit, was expected to maintain order and protect participants at public gatherings.
The ADC candidate said the organisers had reportedly obtained the necessary permits from relevant law-enforcement authorities before proceeding with the rally.
He described the incident as unacceptable, saying political differences should not be allowed to undermine peace, democratic participation and citizens’ rights.
Mr Ashiru urged KADVIS and other security agencies operating in the state to remain professional, impartial and politically neutral in the discharge of their duties.
“Political competition is not a war. We may belong to different political parties and hold divergent views, but we remain citizens of the same Kaduna State,” he said.
He called on relevant security authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation or status.
Mr Ashiru urged ADC members and supporters to remain calm, law-abiding and peaceful, assuring them that the party would continue to pursue its political objectives through democratic and legitimate means.
He also appealed to political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of heightening political tension in the state.
The candidate said Kaduna residents deserved a political environment where ideas could compete freely and citizens could make political choices without fear or intimidation.
Mr Ashiru reaffirmed his commitment to an issue-based campaign centred on peace, unity, development, accountability and good governance.
He said the 2027 elections should focus on competing visions for the future of Kaduna State rather than violence, intimidation or harassment.
Efforts to get an official reaction from KADVIS did not yield results but a personnel who spoke under anonymity denied the allegation and urged politicians not to drag the organisation into politics.
“We will investigate if we get petition from anyone regarding any misconduct by our personnel,” he said.
NAN
