Police explains why it stopped ADC rally in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has clarified that it never aims to obstruct lawful political gatherings or peaceful assemblies, firmly upholding the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna had claimed that members were assaulted during a rally organized by the Arise & Shine Isa Ashiru Support Group to celebrate the start of the gubernatorial and State House of Assembly campaigns.

DSP Mansir Hassan, a police spokesman, explained that the police response was due to a security concern at Murtala Square, not an attempt to stifle political expression. The Command's attention was drawn to a statement circulating on social media by an ADC candidate, who insisted that tear gas cannot erase the Constitution. A High Court in Kaduna had previously ruled that attempts by the police to halt political gatherings were unconstitutional and an abuse of power.

The police stated that they only deployed personnel to Murtala Square after receiving a distress call about unknown individuals trying to force entry. They observed a large group carrying ADC banners and asked them to follow proper authorization procedures for holding events in the area. The group then proceeded towards the NEPA Roundabout, blocking a major and busy commercial road, causing severe traffic congestion and public disorder.

To restore normalcy, police intervened with minimal and proportionate force, including tear gas, to disperse the crowd. The Command reiterated its respect for citizens' constitutional rights but urged the public to rely on verified information from the Police Command and disregard misleading narratives surrounding the incident.