IPAC Kaduna Decries Political Violence, Demands Probe into Twin Attacks on ADC, Mafita Group

 

The Kaduna State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has expressed deep concern over two separate reports of alleged political violence in the state on Monday, involving supporters of rival political interests, and has called on security agencies to launch an urgent and impartial investigation.

In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Mall. Mikailu Abubakar, IPAC said one of the incidents involved an alleged attack on members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), during which vehicles were reportedly damaged and supporters allegedly intimidated during a political activity. The ADC has publicly demanded an investigation into the matter.

The second report concerns an alleged attack on the headquarters of the Mafita Progressive Leadership Network, with claims of vandalism, property destruction, injuries to persons, and theft of money. IPAC, however, cautioned that both sets of claims remain allegations until verified by the appropriate authorities.

As the umbrella body representing registered political parties in Kaduna State — with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) serving as an observer — IPAC said it regards the safety of parties, candidates, supporters and citizens as a matter of shared concern, and called on security agencies to professionally establish the facts surrounding both incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation or status.

The Council also urged political actors to avoid making premature accusations or inflammatory statements capable of escalating tensions while investigations are underway, stressing that Kaduna residents “deserve facts, justice and peace.”

 Appeal to Party Leaders

IPAC further appealed to chairmen of registered political parties, candidates and their supporters to take responsibility for the conduct of their members, warning that “political competition must never become a competition in violence.”

The Council urged party leaders to ensure their supporters remain law-abiding and disciplined, and to discourage the use of thugs, weapons, threats, property destruction, intimidation or retaliatory acts. It also cautioned political actors against taking the law into their own hands, insisting that any alleged offence should be reported to security authorities rather than met with self-help.

With the 2027 electoral process entering a critical phase, IPAC said the responsibility for maintaining a peaceful political environment rests on all stakeholders — parties, candidates, supporters, security agencies, government institutions, civil society and citizens alike.

The Council reiterated that no political victory is worth the loss of lives, property or communal peace, stressing that every Kaduna resident has the right to support the party or candidate of their choice within the confines of the law.

IPAC called on all parties to lower political tensions, refrain from retaliation, and allow security agencies room to establish the facts, adding that “our politics must be about ideas, policies and service to the people, not violence.”