Zamfara state Chairman of People’s Democratic Party Dr. Jamil Jibo Magayaki has alleged the conduct of the Kaura Namoda state assembly bye-election was characterized by violence, intimidation and electoral fraud.
The Chairman while addressing press conference at the PDP headquarters in Gusau insisted that what supposed to be free and fair election turned out a theater of violence and intimidation of voters.
While accusing the APC of masterminding the scenario, described the development that characterized the election as shameful.
“Rather than provide security and ensure a peaceful voting environment, heavily armed military personnel were deployed across polling units, not to protect voters, but to harass, intimidate, and brutalize the electorate”.
“PDP officials and agents were chased away, beaten, and denied access to polling stations and collation centres”.
“In Sakaji Ward, for instance, there was no election at all. Ballot papers were hijacked and results fabricated by the APC in collusion with military personnel — all in the complete absence of PDP agents”.
Let us be clear: “the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines stipulate that military personnel must maintain at least a 50-metre distance from polling units. Yet, in clear violation of the law, soldiers were seen stationed directly inside polling centres, escorting ballot boxes and aiding in the manipulation of election results”.
“This raises a painful and ironic question: why is the same military, which is so quick to descend on innocent voters, unable or unwilling to protect our communities from daily bandit attacks?” The Chairman asked
“Federal might is being deployed not against terrorists and criminals, but against voters and democracy itself”.
“Even more disturbing are credible reports that certain bandit warlords were used to threaten and intimidate voters in parts of the constituency”.
“People were told in no uncertain terms that if they dared to vote for the PDP, they would not return home alive. This barbaric and desperate tactic is a new low, even by APC’s standards, and it is one that must never be accepted in any civilized society”.
“The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) strongly and unequivocally condemns these acts of impunity. If this dangerous trend is allowed to continue, it will completely undermine the foundation of democracy in Zamfara State and in Nigeria at large”.
“Despite the climate of fear and intimidation, we are immensely proud of the resilience and courage displayed by our supporters and the good people of Kaura Namoda South, who stood by the PDP and our Governor, His Excellency Dauda Lawal. Their voices — though suppressed — sent a clear message: APC has lost the support of the people in Zamfara and beyond”.
“We urge all PDP loyalists and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding. We are pursuing all legal and constitutional means to challenge and expose this broad daylight robbery of the people’s mandate”.
“PDP remains strong, united, and resolute. Justice will prevail, and democracy will triumph over tyranny”.
