Katsina APC Calls Funtua Campaign Peaceful Despite Malumfashi Attacks

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State has said that Wednesday's campaign launch in Funtua was peaceful. This comes even after reports that some supporters going through Malumfashi were attacked. Many people got hurt and vehicles were damaged during the incidents.

The party's chairman, Bishir Saulawa, stated that there were no fights, injuries, or damage to property during the Tinubu-Dikko 2027 campaign launch at Funtua Township Stadium.

But Channels Television and Trust Radio reported that some supporters were attacked while traveling to the event through Malumfashi Local Government Area.

In a statement from the party's Public Relations Officer, Shamsu Sule Funtua, Mr. Saulawa thanked Governor Dikko Radda, security agencies, and party members for what he described as a peaceful campaign launch.

"I commend our party members, supporters, security agencies, and all stakeholders for their orderly conduct and commitment to ensuring a peaceful event," he said.

According to Channels Television, some supporters claimed that groups of youths attacked them with stones, bottles, and other weapons near Malumfashi.

The supporters reported injuries and losses of personal items, and some vehicles had their windows smashed. The television station also mentioned that stones were found scattered around the Malumfashi town roundabout, close to the road that leads to Bakori Local Government Area.

PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm how many people were hurt, the extent of the damage, or who carried out the attacks. The reported incidents happened along the route to Funtua, rather than inside the stadium. The APC chairman's statement did not respond to the claims from Malumfashi and did not clarify if his comments included supporters traveling to the event.

Meanwhile, Governor Radda called on residents to support President Bola Tinubu and APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, the governor listed security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities as top priorities for his administration.

"Without peace, economic activities suffer, children cannot go to school, and farmers cannot go to the farm. We will keep pushing until every resident can do their lawful business without fear," Mr. Radda said.

He urged APC candidates and supporters to campaign peacefully and respect the choices of voters.

The event had many notable attendees, including Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe, former governors Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema, lawmakers, and other party members.

During the program, Mr. Saulawa presented party flags and banners to candidates aiming for three senatorial seats, 15 House of Representatives seats, and 34 State Assembly seats.