By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kaduna State have accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to manipulate Saturday’s bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and Sabon-Gari and Zaria State Constituencies.
In a joint statement, the coalition alleged that the APC-led government had recruited about 4,000 thugs from within and outside the state to intimidate voters, harass opposition supporters, and disrupt collation centres during the August 16 polls.
The parties further accused the state government of compromising Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials through inducements, including plots of land, and holding secret meetings with senior electoral personnel.
At a press conference, ADC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, ADC Kaduna State Chairman, Elder Patrick Ambut, and SDP Kaduna State Chairman, Hon. Nasiru Maikano, alleged that local governments were coerced into contributing ₦30 million each—amounting to ₦690 million—for an “election sabotage fund.” They also claimed that ₦4.8 billion was provided from Abuja for vote-buying, bribery of security agents, and other malpractices.
The coalition further accused a serving Commissioner for Local Government Affairs of coordinating the alleged scheme, while officials from Kudan, Soba, and Zaria LGAs were said to have mobilised thugs to attack opposition campaign events. A former senator was also named as the handler of the disbursement of funds.
Calling for urgent intervention, the coalition urged INEC to replace compromised officials and ensure transparency, while demanding that security agencies prevent violence and arrest anyone involved in voter intimidation. It vowed to resist any attempt to subvert the will of the people.
However, the Kaduna State Government dismissed the allegations as “laughable,” describing them as baseless and defamatory.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, the government accused the ADC/SDP coalition of raising false alarms to discredit the election ahead of their “impending loss,” citing their “poorly-attended” campaigns.
The government insisted that INEC alone is responsible for election logistics and integrity, and warned that its legal team had been directed to review the allegations for possible defamation suits.
Highlighting Governor Uba Sani’s ongoing projects, including the groundbreaking of the Romi-Karatudu Township Roads in Chikun LGA, the government urged voters to ignore what it called the “rantings” of the opposition and turn out en masse for a peaceful election.
Reaffirming its commitment to democracy, the government described the allegations as “political theatrics” by remnants of the past administration. It assured residents of a free and fair election while warning against attempts to destabilise the state.
The claims and counterclaims have heightened tension ahead of the bye-elections, with observers urging INEC and security agencies to take urgent steps to guarantee a peaceful, credible process in Kaduna State.
