The Kaduna State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has condemned attacks, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of the party across the state.
In a statement signed by his Media/Spokesman, Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, Ashiru expressed concern over the reported attack on ADC supporters who gathered to welcome him after his return from a two-week Lesser Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
He described the incident as unacceptable, warning that such actions could undermine democratic participation and the right of citizens to freely associate with political parties and candidates of their choice.
The ADC candidate said that several members of the party were attacked and vehicles vandalised by suspected APC political thugs.
According to him, the attackers were conveyed in a branded Renewed Hope eighteen-seater bus and a Hilux vehicle and were allegedly armed with dangerous weapons.
Ashiru further alleged that the attackers caused mayhem before being sighted entering the Kaduna State Secretariat of the Renewed Hope at about 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday.
He warned the Kaduna State Government and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, against allowing political differences to degenerate into violence, intimidation or suppression of opposition voices.
Ashiru called on Governor Uba Sani to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that all political parties and their supporters are allowed to conduct legitimate political activities peacefully and without fear.
The ADC governorship candidate also urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the reported attacks and destruction of property and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice, irrespective of political affiliation.
Ashiru, however, appealed to ADC members and supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding and disciplined, assuring them that the party would continue to defend their democratic rights through lawful and constitutional means.
He said the ADC would not be intimidated or provoked into violence, stressing that its response would remain the ballot, issues and the people.
Ashiru also called on political actors in Kaduna State to place the peace, security and stability of the state above partisan interests, saying violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society.