The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nasarawa State has denied claims that its governorship candidate, retired Inspector‑General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, and former governor Tanko Al‑Makura were involved in the disruption of an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Lafia.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at Lafia Square, where President Bola Tinubu was represented by Vice‑President Kashim Shettima. After the rally was interrupted, a statement from the state government named Al‑Makura and Adamu as “suspected sponsors” of the disturbance.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Makpa Malla, Deputy Director‑General, Media, Publicity and Communication of the SDP governorship campaign council, called the government’s remarks “reckless, irresponsible and politically motivated.” He said the most disturbing part of the statement was the paragraph that expressly named the two figures as suspected sponsors of a criminal act.
“The most disturbing aspect of the government’s statement is paragraph three, which expressly names H.E. Senator Umaru Tanko Al‑Makura and rtd. IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, the Governorship Candidate of the SDP, as suspected sponsors of the alleged disruption,” the statement said.
The SDP argued that publicly linking individuals to a criminal act without verifiable evidence raises defamation and due‑process concerns. It urged the state government to submit any credible intelligence to investigative authorities rather than issue public accusations, warning against a “trial by press release.”
The party also criticised the Nasarawa State Government for focusing on political grievances over pressing governance challenges. It called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to prioritise public confidence, political tolerance and equal protection under the law for all residents.
Finally, the SDP welcomed an independent, evidence‑based investigation by the Department of State Services, insisting that the agency should conduct its work free from political pressure and not be used to settle scores or intimidate opponents.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
