Ex-IGP Adamu, Wadada supporters clash at APC rally in Nasarawa

There was a brief moment of tension at the APC Presidential campaign rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State on Wednesday when supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate, former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, responded to Governor Abdullahi Sule’s chant in support of the APC candidate.

Governor Sule, while addressing the crowd at the rally, led a chant of “Wadada Gwamna” (meaning “Wadada for Governor”) to promote the APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada.

Almost immediately, supporters of the SDP candidate who were also at the venue responded with a counter-chant of “IG Gwamna” (meaning “IG for Governor”) in support of Mohammed Abubakar Adamu.

Supporters of Wadada intensified their own chant of “Wadada Gwamna” at the same time, triggering a loud clash of chants between the two camps across the rally grounds.

Security personnel at the venue swiftly moved in to push back those chanting the rival slogan to restore order and allow the programme to continue.

Supporters of the former IGP, however, claimed they were at the rally not to disrupt the event, but to show support for the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to them, their presence was intended to demonstrate backing for President Tinubu’s re-election, even though they support SDP candidate Mohammed Abubakar Adamu for the governorship seat in Nasarawa State.

The incident did not disrupt the event, as Governor Sule continued his address, urging supporters to vote for APC candidates from top to bottom in the general election.

The rally was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu; APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, and other key party leaders.