Thugs Disrupt APC Rally In Jigawa, Attack Supporters of Defence Minister.
A political rally organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area, Jigawa State, descended into chaos on Sunday, 31 August 2025, when suspected thugs attacked supporters of the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. The event, held to honour APC chieftain Zakari Kafin-Hausa and endorse President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, was marred by violence, with several injuries reported and vehicles vandalised.
The rally, attended by prominent APC figures including the party’s National Financial Secretary, Bashir Gumel, and former officials from Badaru’s administration as Jigawa governor (2015-2023), drew a large crowd of supporters. However, tensions escalated when factional supporters, allegedly aligned with another APC group, stormed the venue after dignitaries had departed. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as residents fled for safety, with videos circulating online showing the aftermath of the attack, including damaged vehicles and injured attendees.
The incident has exposed deep rifts within the APC in Jigawa, particularly between supporters of Governor Umar Namadi and those loyal to Badaru, a former governor and key party figure. The rally’s focus on endorsing Tinubu without acknowledging the current governor has been cited as a source of friction, with some viewing it as a deliberate snub. The attack follows a pattern of political violence in the state, with previous incidents reported during APC events, including a 2022 assault on a federal lawmaker’s rally in Birnin Kudu.
Local police have yet to issue a formal statement, as efforts to contact the Jigawa State Police Command’s spokesperson, Lawan Adam, were unsuccessful. The APC state chairperson, Aminu Gumel, also did not respond to inquiries. Political analysts suggest the violence reflects broader tensions within the party as factions jostle for influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Among those present were state assembly members from Hadejia, Gagarawa, and Babura, alongside 14 former local government chairmen, including ex-ALGON chair Bala Chamo. The attack has drawn condemnation from community leaders, who called for unity and urged security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
As Jigawa navigates this turbulent political climate, the incident underscores the challenges of maintaining harmony within the ruling party. With the 2027 elections looming, stakeholders are pressing for dialogue to prevent further escalation and ensure that political gatherings remain peaceful.