Katsina APC crisis: Radda’s ADC, CSO questioned at Force Headquarters

The political crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State has taken a new turn following the invitation of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) and Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The two security officers have reportedly remained at the Force Headquarters since August 20, 2026, amid growing tension between rival political camps within the Katsina APC.

The development has sparked concerns among political observers and security analysts, who warned against the use of security institutions in intra-party disputes, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources familiar with the matter said the governor’s ADC and CSO were taken to Abuja for questioning following complaints linked to political interests within the ruling party.

However, the police have not publicly disclosed the specific issues being investigated.

PRNigeria reported that some sources linked the development to alleged directives from Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, following complaints reportedly connected to influential political actors in Katsina. The claim could not be independently verified.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, however, denied that the two officers had been arrested or detained.

According to Iniedu, the ADC and CSO were invited to Abuja by the IGP for questioning over issues originating from Katsina State.

He said the officers were not invited over any alleged criminal offence and that preliminary investigations had not established that either officer committed a crime.

The continued presence of the governor’s security aides in Abuja has nevertheless generated concern within political and security circles because of their roles in the governor’s protection.

The development is also being viewed against the backdrop of an increasingly bitter power struggle within the Katsina APC.

Multiple party sources described the dispute as a contest between supporters of Governor Radda and another faction reportedly aligned with Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Political Matters.

According to the sources, disagreements between the two camps have intensified over control of the party structure and political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

One senior APC member, who spoke anonymously, said the disagreement had moved beyond conventional party politics.

“The disagreement is no longer limited to party politics. It is now affecting institutions that should remain completely insulated from political contests,” the source said.

Some party stakeholders have also expressed concern over what they described as the increasing use of petitions, police invitations and investigations in political disputes.

They argued that such actions could create public suspicion and undermine confidence in security institutions, particularly when investigations have not established any wrongdoing.

Security analysts similarly warned that perceived political interference in security agencies could weaken public trust and create additional tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.

There are also concerns that the internal disagreement could affect the APC’s electoral strength in Katsina, a state regarded as one of the party’s major strongholds.

Observers said prolonged factional disputes could weaken party structures, affect campaign coordination and undermine voter mobilisation if the crisis is not resolved.

Meanwhile, PRNigeria contacted Maiwada Dammallam, Director-General of the Media Directorate at the Katsina Government House, for the state government’s position.

Dammallam reportedly promised to provide an official response but had not done so at the time of filing the report.

The Force PRO was also yet to confirm whether the governor’s ADC and CSO had been released and returned to Katsina.