The just-concluded by-election in Kaura Namoda South Constituency, Zamfara State, has been thrown into controversy as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) engage in a war of words over alleged irregularities.
Both parties accused each other of orchestrating violence, voter intimidation, and manipulation during the Saturday poll, which has now been declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The PDP, in a strongly worded statement, alleged that the APC, with the active support of security operatives, manipulated the voting process, thereby disenfranchising its members and supporters across several polling units. According to the party, this amounted to a calculated attempt to subvert the will of the people.
On its part, the APC dismissed the allegations, instead accusing the PDP of deploying political thugs and relying on state-backed vigilantes to cause chaos at polling centres. The ruling party in Zamfara further alleged that PDP agents were behind ballot box snatching and attacks on voters.
As tension mounts, stakeholders and residents of Kaura Namoda South await INEC’s decision on the inconclusive election. Political analysts warn that unless both parties exercise restraint, the situation could degenerate further, undermining the credibility of the democratic process in the state.
INEC is expected to announce the next steps in due course, with a supplementary election likely to be scheduled.
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