A dramatic incident unfolded in Kebbi State on Thursday, November 5, 2026, as security operatives reportedly fired teargas into a building where Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and his entourage were lodging. This development has sparked widespread condemnation and allegations of state-sponsored intimidation. The incident occurred against the backdrop of a fierce political and legal battle.
The reported attack on Atiku's camp comes just hours after a controversial court judgement sacked the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, and by extension nullified Atiku's presidential ambition. According to Henry Shield, Head of Mission for the Leadership and Accountability Initiative, the security operatives targeted the building where the former Vice President and his team were lodging. Shield disclosed the incident in a post shared on his X handle.
Furthermore, Shield alleged that the Kebbi State Governor has mandated all traditional rulers in the state to embark on a three-day vacation to prevent Atiku from paying them courtesy visits during his tour. This move is seen as an attempt to restrict Atiku's interactions with local leaders and potentially limit his campaign efforts in the state.
The ADC had earlier rejected a judgement delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which purportedly sacked the David Mark-led National Working Committee and de-recognised all actions taken by the party under Mark's leadership. The party's spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, described the ruling as "judicial recklessness" orchestrated to ensure the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) runs unopposed in 2027.
The combination of the legal setback in court and the alleged physical disruption in Kebbi is now being viewed by opposition figures as a multi-pronged strategy by the ruling party to cripple the ADC and frustrate Atiku's presidential ambitions. The Leadership and Accountability Initiative has called for restraint and respect for democratic processes in the face of these developments.
While the police and the Kebbi State Government are yet to officially react to the allegations of teargas deployment and the directive to traditional rulers, the ADC had earlier urged Nigerians to disregard the court judgement and continue to support Atiku Abubakar for the "rescue of this country from the incompetent and corrupt APC." The party remains resolute in its support for Atiku.
It remains to be seen how the party will respond to this latest physical confrontation in Kebbi State and the potential implications for Atiku's presidential campaign. The incident has raised concerns about the security and integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria, with many calling for calm and adherence to democratic norms.
Key points
- Security operatives fired teargas into a building where Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his entourage were lodging in Kebbi State.
- The incident occurred just hours after a court judgement nullified Atiku's presidential ambition.
- The ADC has rejected the court judgement, describing it as "judicial recklessness".
