The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party in Zamfara state, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of employing soldiers to disrupt the just-concluded Kaura Namoda State Assembly bye-election.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, the PDP state chairman, Jibo Magayaki Jamilu, alleged that the military stormed Sakajiki ward and forced voters out of polling units.
He said this was the reason why the election could not hold in the area.
According to him, the situation made the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declare the election inconclusive.
PDP claims military invasion prevented voting, adding that:
“The reason why INEC declared the election inconclusive was that there was no election in Sakajiki ward, because the state chapter of the APC hired military officers who chased the voters out of their polling units.
“The APC hired the military who invaded all the polling units not to protect lives and properties of the citizens but to harass, intimidate and brutalise the electorate,” Jibo alleged.
He insisted that the military’s actions were politically motivated and orchestrated by the opposition party.
Party condemns alleged intimidation of voters
The PDP chairman described the act as undemocratic, unconstitutional, and a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He further warned that the ruling party in the state would not condone similar actions in future elections.
Jibo, then called on relevant authorities to take immediate steps to guarantee peaceful and credible elections in Zamfara state.
