APC rally disruption: SDP rejects Nasarawa claims against Al-Makura, Adamu

Nasarawa State Government

The Nasarawa State Government initiated a strong response following the disruption of activities surrounding Vice-President Kashim Shettima's visit to Lafia. Governor Abdullahi Sule directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident, aiming to identify not only those who physically carried out the disruption but also their alleged sponsors. The government's stance, articulated by the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Magaji, pointed fingers at youths purportedly linked to former Governor Tanko Al-Makura and former Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar Adamu.

Magaji specifically alleged that youths wearing T-shirts bearing Al-Makura’s photograph obstructed the Vice-President’s convoy after a royal homage. Furthermore, he claimed that suspected opposition supporters, despite wearing APC-branded shirts, gained access to the rally venue, chanted opposition slogans, and even threw an object towards the podium where dignitaries were present. The governor described the incident as a significant embarrassment to the state and the Vice-President's office, emphasizing that political disagreements should not devolve into violence and demanding accountability for all involved.

Social Democratic Party

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), through the Director of Digital Media and Strategic Communications of the IGP M.A. Adamu Campaign Organisation, Otaru Douglas, vehemently rejected the accusations leveled by the Nasarawa State Government. Douglas characterized the allegations as irresponsible, politically motivated, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputations of both former Governor Al-Makura and ex-IGP Adamu. The SDP asserted that Adamu was not present at the incident's venue and had no youth group acting on his behalf to cause embarrassment to the Vice-President.

The campaign organization further denied any involvement by Al-Makura, portraying both men as respected figures who would never sponsor violence or disrespect constituted authorities. Instead, the SDP suggested that the disruption was a reflection of widespread public dissatisfaction with the APC-led government in the state, rather than a calculated plot by opposition politicians. They challenged the state government to introspect on the circumstances leading to the incident, rather than resorting to what they termed a politically motivated witch-hunt against opposition figures. The SDP also accused Governor Abdullahi Sule and the APC leadership of failing to reconcile aggrieved party members, alleging that internal party crises contributed significantly to the prevailing political tension.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima's visit to Lafia was intended for an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally, a standard political event designed to galvanize support. However, the visit was marred by unexpected disruptions, which became the focal point of a significant political dispute. The incidents included the obstruction of the Vice-President’s convoy during his visit to the Emir of Lafia’s palace and disturbances at the rally venue itself. These events, as described by the state government, created an atmosphere of disorder during a high-profile political engagement.

The disruption of the Vice-President's activities is a serious matter, as it directly impacts the security and decorum expected during visits by senior government officials. The state government's immediate response, including the directive for a comprehensive investigation, underscores the gravity with which such incidents are viewed. The allegations of opposition figures sponsoring these disruptions, even if denied, highlight the intense political climate and the potential for such events to be weaponized in political narratives. The incident ultimately cast a shadow over the intended purpose of Shettima's visit, shifting focus from campaign messaging to political infighting and security concerns.