The All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that “the rented crowd” at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Kaduna State should be held responsible for the disruption.

APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, distanced itself from the unfortunate incident.

Urging security agencies to probe PDP supporters, to unmask and prosecute the culprits, the party called on political parties to eschew violence and play strictly by the rules of political engagement.

Underlining the need by all parties and candidates to subscribe to issue-based campaigns and observe applicable ethical standards and best practices, the party said it behoves all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful electioneering ahead of the 2023 general election.

It noted: “The ugly event that unfolded at the PDP rally in Kaduna last Monday was wrong, but, regrettably, self-inflicted. As a party, we abhor and condemn any form of violence and interference in the activities or events of any political party.

“Every party is entitled to conduct its legitimate activities in peace and under security. Every party has a right to equal protection under the law. Perpetrators of disruptive and other acts of violence must be brought to justice.”

According to APC, rather than hold its head down in shame for the poor and distasteful showing at its Kaduna rally, the PDP seeks to scapegoat the ruling party for its own gross acts of misconduct.

APC added: “To be clear, the APC has no hand in the attack as irresponsibly alleged by the PDP. We have no reason to be perturbed by the rally. As Africa’s largest political party, bolstered by the remarkable accomplishments of President Muhammadu Buhari, with a vibrant future led by our visionary presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, we cannot, in any way, be unnerved by any political party or presidential candidate. Certainly, not by the PDP, a party in tatters and at war with itself.

“If anything, it was the PDP that scheduled and conducted its rally in Kaduna on the same day that our candidate was scheduled to make an appearance at the Arewa Dialogue before which the PDP candidate made an appearance the Saturday prior.

“A mature and well-governed campaign would have avoided that apparent conflict of having two major events take place in the same city on the same day. Having made their pitch at the dialogue, it was only fair that our candidate be allowed to do the same. But such civil gesture is uncharacteristic of the PDP.”