Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nasarawa State has rejected allegations by the state government linking former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu to the disruption of activities during Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Lafia.
The opposition party described the allegations as politically motivated, irresponsible and an attempt to damage the reputations of the two prominent political figures, insisting that neither Al-Makura nor Adamu was involved in the incident.
The controversy followed disturbances during Shettima’s visit to Nasarawa State on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, when the Vice-President attended activities connected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident reportedly affected the Vice-President’s visit to the Emir of Lafia and the APC campaign rally, prompting the state government to call for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disruption.
SDP Denies Allegations Against Al-Makura and Adamu
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, Otaru Douglas, Director of Digital Media and Strategic Communications of the IGP M.A. Adamu Campaign Organisation, rejected the state government’s attempt to associate the former governor and former police chief with the incident.
Douglas described the allegations as an attempt to portray the two politicians negatively and create unnecessary political tension in the state.
He maintained that Adamu was nowhere near the location of the incident and had not sponsored any youth organisation or group to disrupt the Vice-President’s visit.
The campaign organisation also dismissed suggestions that Al-Makura had any involvement in the disturbances, arguing that the former governor had no reason to sponsor violence or encourage disrespect towards constituted authorities.
The organisation maintained that the allegations lacked credible evidence and urged the state government to avoid making statements that could inflame political tensions.
It also called on security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident rather than allow political disagreements to influence the process.
What Happened During Shettima’s Visit to Lafia?
The controversy emerged after disturbances were reported during Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the APC presidential campaign rally organised to mobilise support for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The visit also included a courtesy engagement with the Emir of Lafia, who chairs the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs.
According to reports, tensions escalated during activities surrounding the visit, with groups of youths reportedly chanting competing political slogans in support of different governorship aspirants.
The situation subsequently deteriorated into confrontations involving supporters and security personnel.
Premium Times reported that the disturbances left about 40 people injured, while several others were reported missing following the violence.
Security operatives reportedly deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.
The incident raised concerns about political divisions within Nasarawa’s political landscape, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
Nasarawa Government Orders Security Investigation
Before the SDP’s response, the Nasarawa State Government had accused individuals allegedly connected to Al-Makura and Adamu of involvement in the disruption.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Magaji, the government alleged that some youths wearing T-shirts bearing Al-Makura’s photograph obstructed the Vice-President’s convoy following his visit to the Emir’s palace.
The government also alleged that individuals wearing APC-branded shirts gained access to the rally venue, chanted opposition political slogans and threw an object towards the podium where Shettima and other dignitaries were standing.
The state government described the incident as an embarrassment to the state and the office of the Vice-President.
It subsequently directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disturbances, identify those responsible and establish whether any individuals or groups sponsored the incident.
Governor Abdullahi Sule also called for accountability, insisting that political disagreements should not develop into violence or threaten public security.
The government said the investigation should establish both the immediate causes of the incident and the identities of those allegedly responsible.
However, the allegations against Al-Makura and Adamu remain disputed, with the SDP demanding evidence to support the accusations.
Political Tensions Within Nasarawa APC
The disagreement has also drawn attention to internal political tensions within the APC in Nasarawa State.
The SDP campaign organisation accused Governor Abdullahi Sule and the APC leadership of failing to address disagreements among members of the ruling party.
It argued that the disturbances reflected dissatisfaction among sections of the political establishment rather than an organised attempt by opposition politicians to embarrass the Vice-President.
The organisation further alleged that internal divisions and unresolved grievances within the APC had contributed to the growing political tension in the state.
It claimed that more than 80 per cent of genuine APC members in Nasarawa had defected to the SDP, although it did not provide independently verifiable evidence to substantiate the figure.
The campaign organisation also appealed to President Tinubu to pay attention to the political situation in Nasarawa and the disagreements within the state chapter of the ruling party.
It particularly defended Al-Makura’s political standing, describing him as an important figure in the development of the APC in the state.
The allegations and counterclaims highlight the political disagreements surrounding the state’s governorship succession ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Sule Calls for Accountability
Governor Sule has maintained that those responsible for the disruption must be identified and held accountable, regardless of their political affiliations.
During an expanded security meeting at the Government House in Lafia on Thursday, November 5, the governor reportedly expressed concern about the security arrangements surrounding the Vice-President’s visit.
He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the deployment of tear gas at the rally, particularly near the podium where senior political officials were addressing supporters.
The governor called for an investigation into the reported obstruction of Shettima’s convoy, the disturbances at the rally and the alleged involvement of individuals who may have planned or sponsored the incident.
His position suggests that the investigation will extend beyond identifying those directly involved in the confrontations to examining possible failures in security planning and event management.
The SDP, meanwhile, has urged security agencies to approach the investigation professionally and avoid targeting opposition figures without credible evidence.
Why the Dispute Matters Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
The disagreement between the Nasarawa State Government and the SDP comes at a politically sensitive period as parties and political actors begin positioning themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Nasarawa is strategically important in the North-Central region, where political alliances, party structures and competition for elective positions could influence broader electoral calculations.
The involvement of former governor Al-Makura and former Inspector-General of Police Adamu also gives the controversy wider political significance.
Both figures have established political profiles in the state, while Adamu is associated with the SDP’s governorship ambitions.
The dispute further illustrates how disagreements within political parties can become public controversies, particularly when questions surrounding candidate selection, party loyalty and political succession remain unresolved.
However, allegations of sponsoring violence are serious matters that require evidence and proper investigation.
Political organisations and government officials have a responsibility to avoid escalating tensions through unsubstantiated accusations, while security agencies must establish the facts independently.
The reported injuries during the Lafia disturbances also underline the human consequences of political confrontations.
As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, maintaining peaceful political engagement and protecting citizens during campaign activities will remain important responsibilities for political parties, government institutions and security agencies.
What Happens Next?
The immediate development to watch is the outcome of the investigation ordered by the Nasarawa State Government.
Security agencies are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the disturbances, identify those involved and determine whether there is evidence linking any individuals to the planning or sponsorship of the incident.
The SDP has called for an impartial investigation, while the state government has insisted that anyone found responsible should face the law.
As of November 6, 2026, the competing allegations against Al-Makura and Adamu had not been independently established.
The investigation’s findings will therefore be important in determining responsibility and preventing the controversy from developing into further political confrontation in Nasarawa State.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Punch Newspapers – APC rally disruption: SDP rejects Nasarawa claims against Al-Makura, Adamu. Punch Newspapers
- Voice of Nigeria – SDP Rejects Claims Linking Adamu, Al-Makura to Lafia Unrest. Voice of Nigeria
- TheCable – Nasarawa accuses Al-Makura of disrupting Shettima’s campaign visit, seeks DSS probe. TheCable
- Premium Times – Governor orders probe of violence at APC presidential rally. Premium Times Nigeria
- Premium Times – Many injured, missing as Nasarawa APC presidential rally turns bloody. Premium Times Nigeria
