Police in Nigeria’s Kaduna State have summoned former governor Nasir El-Rufai and several members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for questioning over allegations of criminal conspiracy, public disturbance and assault, according to a police letter seen by Kano Times.
The letter, dated Sept. 4 and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Uzainu Abdullahi, directed the ADC’s Kaduna chairman to present El-Rufai and six other members before the State Criminal Investigation Department on Sept. 8.
Those named include Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed, Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini.
Police said the summons was linked to complaints lodged against the group but did not provide details. “This Department is currently investigating… You are requested to come along with them to clarify allegations reported against them by the complainants,” the letter said.
Hours before the summons became public, police sealed the ADC state office in Kaduna, witnesses told Reuters. Security vehicles were stationed at the premises as party officials awaited a solidarity visit from the ADC’s northwest leadership.
The opposition party said it had come under increasing pressure after thugs attacked a joint meeting of the ADC and Social Democratic Party (SDP) last week, leaving several people injured and vehicles damaged, including El-Rufai’s.
The attack occurred despite a police presence, party officials said.
The clashes highlight rising political tensions in Kaduna between El-Rufai, who governed the state from 2015 to 2023, and his successor and former ally, Governor Uba Sani.
Separately, ADC chieftain Yusuf Shehu Bello has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Kaduna against the Inspector-General of Police and the state commissioner of police, alleging unlawful restrictions on opposition political gatherings.
