Nigeria’s Ruling Party Dismisses Opposition Allegations of Voter Intimidation
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s Zamfara State has rejected claims that it employed military personnel to intimidate voters and party agents during a recent by-election in Kaura Namoda South.
Speaking to journalists in Gusau, APC spokesman Yusuf Idris described the allegations made by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a desperate attempt to conceal their impending defeat. Idris emphasized that security personnel were deployed solely to maintain order and prevent electoral malpractice.
“The claims are baseless and unfounded,” Idris said. “The PDP is trying to smear the image of security agencies to discredit the process. The people of Kaura Namoda South came out in large numbers to vote for our candidate, which is a clear indication of our party’s popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Idris alleged that the PDP’s accusations were intended to divert attention from their own poor performance in the by-election. The APC’s strong showing, he argued, reflects the party’s growing influence in the region.
The controversy surrounding the Kaura Namoda South by-election highlights the intense competition between Nigeria’s two major parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC, which has dominated national politics since 2015, is seeking to consolidate its power, while the PDP aims to regain its former stronghold.
As the country prepares for the next elections, both parties are expected to intensify their campaigns, with the APC leveraging its recent successes in Zamfara State to build momentum. However, the PDP remains committed to challenging the APC’s dominance, accusing the ruling party of manipulating the electoral process to its advantage.
The by-election in Kaura Namoda South serves as a litmus test for the parties’ strategies and tactics in the run-up to the 2027 polls. As the election season heats up, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the APC and PDP engage with voters, address allegations of electoral malpractice, and ultimately shape the country’s political landscape.
