Suspected political thugs in Kebbi State launched an attack on the presidential campaign convoy of former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Atiku Abubakar.
The assailants violently targeted the convoy, damaging and destroying cameras and essential technical equipment belonging to several members of the campaign’s media team.
The incident occurred on Thursday while the ADC campaign delegation was touring the state for political outreach ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to campaign officials, the attackers blocked the convoy, hurled stones at vehicles, and specifically targeted the press crew following the presidential candidate.
During the incident, multiple pieces of media equipment—including cameras, tripods, video recorders, and technical production gear—were reportedly destroyed.
The destruction of the equipment prevented members of the press team from continuing their live coverage of the campaign activities.
Describing the assailants as “sponsored thugs,” the ADC campaign organization asserted that the attack was a deliberate effort to intimidate supporters, disrupt the candidate’s itinerary, and suppress media coverage of the events.
Royalty Uso, the Special Adviser on New Media to Atiku, who confirmed the incident in a post on X, said, “APC-sponsored thugs are mounting at junctions to attack the ADC Presidential campaign convoy in Kebbi.
“Our security operatives have had to intervene with tear gas, and our supporters have also stepped in to chase the hooligans away.”
According to a campaign team member who described the incident, the attackers purposefully targeted the media crew’s equipment rather than snatching items.
Backstory…
Political violence has repeatedly raised concerns during Nigeria’s election campaigns, with opposition parties reporting attacks, intimidation and destruction of campaign materials.
The latest incident comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the 2027 elections, as Atiku Abubakar’s ADC seeks to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
It also follows a reported attack on Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue and an attack on ADC campaign activities in neighbouring Sokoto State. Amnesty International has warned that the incidents threaten opposition parties’ rights to peaceful assembly and political participation.
Read Also: Peter Obi Attacked by Suspected Thugs in Benue State
