A coalition of Nigerian opposition parties has raised alarms over alleged plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State to undermine three upcoming legislative bye-elections. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), in a joint statement issued Thursday, accused APC leaders of orchestrating widespread electoral interference through violence, bribery, and collusion with officials. The polls, scheduled for August 16, will fill vacant seats in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and the Sabon Gari and Zaria State Constituencies.
The coalition alleged that the APC, which governs Kaduna State, has recruited approximately 4,000 thugs to intimidate voters and opposition agents at polling units. “Credible intelligence” cited in the statement claims the thugs are being mobilized from both within and outside the state. The group further accused high-ranking state officials of establishing an “election sabotage fund,” reportedly totaling ₦4.8 billion (roughly $3.5 million), with ₦30 million ($21,500) forcibly contributed by each of Kaduna’s 23 local governments. These funds, they asserted, would finance vote-buying, bribes to election officers, and security personnel compromises.
Notably, the statement implicated senior Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, alleging some had accepted plots of land and other incentives to manipulate results. A serving state commissioner and local government officials in Kudan, Soba, and Zaria were identified as key figures coordinating the alleged plot, including organizing attacks on opposition campaign events.
The coalition warned that APC’s actions threatened the elections’ credibility, emphasizing that the party resorted to such tactics due to being “unelectable” in fair contests. “These assaults on electoral integrity are being coordinated at the highest levels of the state government,” the statement read. It urged INEC to remove compromised staff and deploy impartial teams to safeguard voter will while calling on security agencies to prevent violence.
With tensions rising and no immediate response from the APC or INEC, the allegations spotlight ongoing concerns about election security in Nigeria. Previous polls in the country have faced similar accusations of manipulation, particularly during tightly contested races. The August 16 elections, viewed as a test of democratic resilience, could face heightened scrutiny amid fears of unrest if grievances over fairness escalate.
The coalition appealed for restraint from supporters and the public but cautioned that failure to address the alleged schemes could provoke “unpredictable reactions.” As the vote approaches, all eyes remain on how authorities will respond to these claims and ensure a process reflecting genuine voter intent.
