APC senatorial campaign rally halted over violence in Yobe

Over 400 political thugs disrupted the Yobe North senatorial campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gashua, the council headquarters of Bade, Yobe State.

The violence took place Saturday afternoon as Senate President Ahmed Lawan handed over the microphone to Governor Mai Mala Buni.

The protesters began to chant in Hausa: “Bamuayi!” (We disagree!) They also threw stones at the podium, where dignitaries stood alongside Buni and Lawan.

Security operatives immediately whisked away the governor and others to safety.

Organisers brought the rally to an abrupt end to prevent the protest from worsening.

Some of the protesting youths said: “We are protecting our right, so that the electorate can seamlessly vote for the right senatorial candidate, instead of Lawan.”

They were apparently reacting to a recent Supreme Court ruling validating the candidacy of Lawan for the senatorial election on the platform of APC, instead of Alhaji Bashir Machina.