2027: APC Rally Erupts in Violence as Factions Clash in Jigawa

A rally organised by a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State on Sunday ended in chaos, leaving several people injured and vehicles vandalised in Kafin Hausa, the hometown of Governor Umar Namadi.

The event, convened by APC chieftain Alhaji Zakari Sidi Kafin Hausa, was intended as a show of support for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Thousands of mostly young supporters turned out, with the rally also attracting the APC’s National Financial Secretary, Bashir Gumel, alongside several former and serving political office holders.

![Vandalised car]

Addressing the crowd, Alhaji Sidi said the gathering was aimed at mobilising grassroots support for President Tinubu’s second term bid, citing his economic reforms, infrastructural projects, and youth empowerment initiatives.

“Nigeria is fortunate to have President Bola Tinubu at this critical time. His policies on local government autonomy, NELFUND, and youth empowerment are already transforming the nation,” he stated.

Trouble, however, broke out towards the end of the rally when suspected political thugs stormed the venue, attacking participants and vandalising vehicles. Several people, including passersby and residents, sustained injuries.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the attackers were supporters of a rival APC faction loyal to Governor Namadi, who reportedly saw the rally as a challenge to his leadership. The incident is seen as a manifestation of the widening rift between Governor Namadi and Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, under whose administration many of the rally’s organisers had served.

![Another vandalised car]

Alhaji Sidi blamed the violence on “sponsored hoodlums” who, he claimed, invaded the venue after dignitaries had departed.
“The rally was shifted from Saturday to Sunday to avoid confrontation, yet they still came armed, injuring people and destroying property,” he alleged.

Efforts to reach the Jigawa police spokesperson, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, for comments proved unsuccessful as his phone lines were unreachable on Sunday evening.

Sunday’s rally marked the first major open defiance within Jigawa APC ranks, as a faction mobilised support for President Tinubu without Governor Namadi’s direct backing. Political observers warn the development could further deepen divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.