The deepening power struggle 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 Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The development has fuelled concerns over the growing tension between political factions within the ruling party in the state, with sources alleging that the questioning of the two security officers is connected to the intensifying rivalry between camps loyal to Governor Radda and Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Political Matters.
PRNigeria gathered from multiple sources that the two officers were taken to the Force Headquarters on August 20, 2026, and remained there for questioning. The police, however, have not publicly disclosed the specific issues that prompted their invitation.
Some sources alleged that the action followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, based on complaints linked to influential political interests within the APC.
However, the claim could not be independently verified.
The development has generated concerns among political observers and security analysts, who warned against the involvement of security institutions in partisan disputes, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
The ADC and CSO are responsible for key aspects of the governor’s personal security, making their invitation to Abuja a sensitive development within the state’s political and security circles.
Sources familiar with the situation said the development should be viewed against the backdrop of an increasingly bitter struggle for political influence within the Katsina APC.
According to party sources, the disagreement between the Radda camp and supporters of Masari has intensified in recent months, particularly over control of the party’s structures and political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
One senior APC member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the disagreement had gone beyond ordinary political competition.
“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.
Party stakeholders also expressed concern over what they described as the growing use of petitions, invitations and security investigations in resolving political disputes.
They alleged that petitions against political opponents were increasingly being used as tools in intra-party struggles, sometimes resulting in invitations or interrogations that could create public suspicion even before any allegation was established.
Security experts warned that perceived politicisation of security agencies could have wider implications for public confidence in law enforcement.
“When security agencies are perceived as instruments in political rivalries rather than impartial institutions, it weakens public trust and ultimately undermines national security,” an analyst said.
The latest development has also raised concerns over the possible impact of the APC’s internal crisis on its electoral strength in Katsina, a major stronghold of the party.
Political observers warned that continued division could polarise party structures, undermine campaign coordination and affect mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the police have rejected reports suggesting that the two officers were arrested over a criminal allegation.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, told PRNigeria that the governor’s ADC and CSO were invited to Abuja by the Inspector-General of Police for questioning over issues originating from Katsina State.
Iniedu stressed that the officers were not invited on the basis of any alleged criminal offence.
