The recent Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly bye-election in Zamfara State has been met with accusations, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) claiming a decisive victory over the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement, Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris Gusau criticized Governor Dauda Lawal in the wake of the bye-election. The APC’s win was described as a “wide, incontestable margin.”
According to the APC, the PDP did not mount a legal challenge, which Gusau suggests is due to the outcome of the election.
Gusau’s statement takes aim at an article titled “Military and Democracy in Nigeria…” which he claims was an attempt to discredit the APC’s victory.
According to Gusau, some individuals, including aides to the governor, were arrested for their involvement in suspicious activities. Gusau also alleges that PDP-affiliated individuals fired gunshots at security personnel during the election.
Over 200 bullet shells were reportedly recovered, with the situation de-escalated by the professionalism of Kaduna Commissioner of Police Mohammed Rabiu. The APC also alleges that the state government misallocated over N2 billion for the bye-election, funds that Gusau claims were not used to address pressing issues like banditry victims’ welfare.
Gusau also noted that an article inadvertently criticized Governor Lawal’s governance, urging him to “broaden inclusivity” and address “infrastructural neglect.”
The APC further accused the PDP of hypocrisy, pointing out that the party allegedly used military influence to take power in Zamfara in 2023 but now criticizes security involvement when it works against them.
Gusau concluded by calling on Governor Lawal to rethink his administration’s approach and prioritize public concerns.
As the dust settles on the bye-election, the APC’s victory has intensified the rivalry between the two parties, setting the stage for further political battles in the state.