Violence disrupted the Tinubu-Dikko campaign flag-off in Funtua Senatorial Zone, Katsina State, on Wednesday. Suspected political thugs attacked APC supporters travelling to the venue. Several supporters were injured. Their vehicles were damaged. The attacks occurred in Malumfashi as supporters headed to Funtua. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda was scheduled to flag off his 2027 re-election campaign.
Katsina is a battleground state. The APC controls the governorship. The opposition is fragmented but active. Political violence has marred previous elections. In 2023, thugs disrupted campaigns in several local government areas. In 2024, a rally in Daura ended in clashes. The pattern reflects weak security and internal party rivalries. The current attack occurred on the campaign route. The victims were party supporters. The perpetrators were suspected thugs. The motive is unclear.
One affected supporter, Abubakar Lawal, said their vehicles were attacked while travelling through Malumfashi. The attackers used stones and other objects to smash windows and assault passengers. Several vehicles were damaged. Many supporters were injured. The victims called on authorities to act. They urged security agencies to strengthen arrangements for future campaign events.
Despite the violence, Governor Radda proceeded with the flag-off. The event is part of a statewide campaign across three senatorial zones, 34 local government areas and 361 wards. The governor is seeking a second term. The campaign aims to showcase his administration’s record.
No official statement has been issued. Party sources told reporters the incident stemmed from internal differences within the APC. They expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved. The police have not announced arrests.
The attack reflects the tension within the ruling party. The APC in Katsina has factions. The flag-off was meant to project unity. The violence exposed the divisions. It also exposed the risk to supporters. Campaign events require security. The police must provide it. The party must manage its internal conflicts.
Winners: The attackers, who disrupted the event. The opposition, which gains from APC disunity. Losers: The injured supporters. The vehicle owners. The APC, whose internal divisions are exposed. Governor Radda, whose campaign launch was marred. The police, whose security arrangements failed. Katsina voters, who face a violent campaign season.
Bottom Line: Supporters were attacked on their way to a flag-off. Many were injured. Vehicles were destroyed. The governor proceeded. The party blames internal differences. The police have not acted. The campaign has begun with violence.