Assassination Attempt On Kaduna Senator: APC, PDP, Trade Tackles

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress APC, Kaduna State Chapter, has strongly distanced itself from the alleged assassination attempt on the Senator representing Kaduna Central District at the National Assembly, Lawal Adamu Usman.

The Source reports that Senator Usman was, allegedly, attacked by suspected hoodlums on New Year’s day within his Constituency.

A statement issued on Friday January, 3, 2025, by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, spokesperson in Kaduna Chapter, Hon. Maria Dogo, informed that Senator Usman was attacked while inspecting some ongoing constituency projects in the Kaduna North Local Council.

While condemning the incident, the Party demanded  a comprehensive inquest to unravel the real  circumstances surrounding the development.

Expectedly, the PDP in its statement, insinuated the suspected involvement of the APC in the incident, insisting that it will not sit by idly and watch while the lives of its elected representatives are threatened.

The party, also, cautioned against any resort to violent methods other than the ballot in pursuing political interests in the State.

“The PDP demands an immediate investigation into this matter as well as the arrest and prosecution of the assailants and their sponsors.

“We, also, urge reinforced security measures for our elected representatives and their families.

“We emphasize that the PDP will not stand idly by while the lives of our elected representatives are threatened or taken.

“The ballot, not violence is the only accepted means of transferring power. Instead of  resorting to violence ,people  should focus on implementing meaningful initiatives and programmes in the Senatorial Zone that will  earn their parties  goodwill among the people.

“We call on our party members and all well meaning citizens of Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone to remain calm and peaceful while we pursue all legal means to bring those responsible for the attempt on Senator Us man’s life to Justice”,the PDP statement reads in part .

But in a statement on Saturday, APC’s Kaduna  Chapter Secretary, Yahaya Baba, cautioned PDP to desist from tarnishing its reputation.

According to the APC, rather than making unfounded and baseless allegations, the PDP should apply itself more to the task of playing a responsible opposition role.

The ruling party in the State, informed that information reaching it indicates that the PDP and Senator Usman are yet to  file official complaints before the police.

Similarly, the APC accused the Senator of so far not cooperating with security agencies in  their ongoing investigation into the matter.

“Despite repeated  attempts by the police to reach him (Senator Usman), he remains unresponsive.

“It is, therefore, baffling how the PDP arrived at its baseless conclusion implicating the APC in this alleged incident.

“We call on Senator Usman and the PDP to cooperate fully with the police investigation.  Failure to do so would lend credence to suspicions that the alleged assassination attempt is nothing more than a fabrication aimed at maligning the APC creating unnecessary tension and derailing the peace and progress currently being enjoyed in Kaduna state.

The APC strongly suspects that certain conflicts entrepreneurs are using the PDP to disrupt the remarkable strides achieved under the peace initiatives of Senator Uba Sani’s people-focused and inclusive administration”, the APC stated .

Furthermore, the APC accused its rival, “of developing a disturbing reputation for issuing ill-conceived and patently false statements ,undermining the seriousness of public discourse.

“This reckless behaviour highlights the party’s deteriorating  standards with critical matters being handled without due diligence or proper scrutiny” Baba noted.