Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to substantiate its claims of voter intimidation by the APC and security forces during the Kaura Namoda South by-election held on Saturday.
At a press conference in Gusau on Monday, APC State Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris dismissed the accusations as baseless.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), PDP State Chairman Dr. Jamilu Magayaki had earlier held a press briefing in Gusau, alleging that the APC, in collaboration with security agencies, harassed PDP supporters during the by-election. Magayaki further claimed that the APC used military personnel to coerce voters.
Idris refuted these allegations, describing them as unfounded and a reaction to the PDP’s electoral loss. “The PDP’s claims are surprising and lack credibility, stemming from their failure to win the election,” he said.
He urged the PDP to present evidence to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or the election tribunal, noting that the APC possesses videos and photos to support its position.
Idris called on the PDP leadership to submit their grievances to the appropriate authorities rather than issuing misleading statements.
He also advised the PDP chairman to refrain from linking political matters with security issues, warning that such actions could misinform the public.
“It’s unfortunate that a political party would resort to falsehoods and propaganda to distract the public,” Idris stated.
He emphasized that security personnel were deployed to polling units to maintain order and prevent electoral malpractices, such as ballot snatching, not to intimidate voters.
He described the PDP’s claim of military presence inside polling centers as a distortion of facts lacking evidence.
Idris further criticized the PDP’s allegations as a reckless attempt to involve the Nigerian military in partisan politics, calling it a dangerous move. He suggested that the PDP was struggling to accept its defeat in the Kaura Namoda South by-election and was fabricating excuses to mask its loss.
Commending the voters for their participation, Idris reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to lawful conduct and respect for the democratic process. (NAN)
