By Joe Udo
KADUNA (CONVERSEER) – A coalition meeting of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna town was on Friday violently disrupted by thugs allegedly mobilised by state government officials, leaving several people injured and properties destroyed.
The meeting, which was held at the Conference Hall of NUT Endwell in Magadishu Layout, was convened under the leadership of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai. Reports indicate that the attackers descended on participants, inflicting severe injuries on some and vandalising vehicles, including El-Rufai’s car, as well as windows at the venue.
Eyewitnesses said the thugs struck despite the presence of armed policemen who had earlier been deployed by the government to prevent the gathering.
According to SaharaReporters, opposition parties had earlier faced difficulties securing venues after event centres were allegedly pressured by the government to cancel their bookings.
“This is an indication of the bloody politics that lies ahead heralding the political squabble between El-Rufai and his former godson, Governor Uba Sani,” a source at the meeting stated.
The thugs were said to have been mobilised by a Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties in the state, identified as Hon. Babaji. Pictures of the injured and video footage of the attack were reportedly obtained by SaharaReporters.
The violent incident marks a new flashpoint in the escalating political rift between El-Rufai and Governor Sani, raising concerns over the safety of opposition activities and the conduct of democratic engagements in Kaduna State.
Background of El-Rufai and Uba Sani Rift
The relationship between Nasir El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, and his successor, Governor Uba Sani, has deteriorated sharply in recent months. El-Rufai, once regarded as Sani’s political benefactor, had played a central role in his emergence as governor during the 2023 elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, tensions reportedly escalated over accusations of mismanagement of state resources, political marginalisation, and divergent approaches to governance. El-Rufai’s loyalists allege that Sani has sidelined them in the current administration, while Sani’s supporters accuse the former governor of attempting to interfere with state governance from outside office.
The rift came to a head when El-Rufai was accused of leaving behind a huge debt profile for Kaduna, which Governor Sani publicly lamented, describing it as a major obstacle to his administration. This public criticism marked a turning point in their relationship, triggering open hostilities between both camps.
Friday’s attack on the SDP-ADC coalition meeting is being viewed by analysts as a reflection of this widening gulf, with opposition gatherings now at the centre of political contention in Kaduna. Observers warn that unless contained, the crisis could destabilise the state’s political climate ahead of future elections.
