Kafanchan Attack Threat to Democracy — Shehu ABG

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

Kaduna State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Usman Shehu Bawa, popularly known as Shehu ABG, has condemned the violent attack on the party’s House of Representatives campaign rally in Kafanchan on Monday, describing it as a dangerous threat to democracy.

Shehu ABG, in a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna by his spokesperson, Yusuf Idris, said the attack was “primitive and dangerous” and warned that it could further heat up the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He accused some political actors of desperation to intimidate opposition parties and create unnecessary tension among the people.

The PDP candidate said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) must ensure a level playing field for opposition parties to campaign and present their manifestos to the electorate.

“The APC, as the ruling party, should create an enabling environment for us that are in the opposition to sell our manifestos to the public and let the people make their own choices. What are they afraid of?

“By sending thugs to attack a campaign rally, it indicates that they are not visible in terms of providing dividends of democratic rule,” he said.

Shehu ABG warned that the Kafanchan incident was a disturbing signal of what could lie ahead as the 2027 elections draw closer.

He therefore called on security agencies to remain neutral, professional and fair in handling political activities and election-related matters before, during and after the polls.

The PDP governorship candidate maintained that the alleged attackers were unsettled by what he described as the growing popularity of the PDP and its candidates.

He urged party supporters not to retaliate despite provocations, assuring them that the PDP’s victory in 2027 was within reach.

“Victory for the party is already assured, God willing,” Shehu ABG said.