The Kaduna State Government has firmly denied recent accusations from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) alleging a plot to sabotage the bye-elections scheduled for Saturday across key constituencies including Chikun/Kajuru, Zaria, and Sabon-Gari.
The coalition claims, voiced during a press conference led by ADC National Vice Chairman Jafaru Sani, included accusations of mass recruitment of thugs, bribery of electoral officials, and vote buying. They also alleged attempts to offer plots of land to senior Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials as inducements, and implicated a former senator reputed for electoral violence in coordinating these illicit activities.
However, the Kaduna State Government swiftly dismissed these claims as “laughable lies” and politically motivated smears by what it described as “political leftovers” of former governor Nasir El-Rufai. Ahmed Maiyaki, the Commissioner of Information-designate, stated that the allegations are baseless and represent desperate attempts by the coalition to undermine an election they fear losing.
Maiyaki emphasized that the administration has no role in the electoral process, which is solely the responsibility of INEC. He further accused the ADC and SDP of trying to drag the government into “self-inflicted political misery” and called on voters to ignore “political jobbers” masquerading as democracy defenders.
Despite the tensions, the government reassured citizens that the upcoming elections would be conducted fairly and in accordance with the law. Security agencies have also been called upon to maintain neutrality and ensure a peaceful electoral environment.
The controversy highlights the challenges of Nigeria’s political landscape where electoral processes often face allegations of manipulation and sabotage. Nevertheless, Kaduna State’s leadership stands adamant in defending the integrity of the elections and urging all stakeholders to play by the rules.
As the bye-elections approach, the focus now rests on smooth and credible voting that reflects the will of the people in Kaduna’s constituencies.
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