Kaduna Rejects Claims Of Election Sabotage

The Kaduna State Government has dismissed accusations from a coalition of the African Democratic Congress and the Social Democratic Party alleging plans to manipulate Saturday’s bye-elections in the state.

The elections will take place in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and the state constituencies of Zaria and Sabon-Gari.

The coalition, led by ADC National Vice Chairman for the Northwest, had accused the state administration of recruiting thugs, bribing electoral officials, and engaging in large-scale vote buying. It also alleged that plots of land were being offered to senior INEC officials and that a former senator was coordinating funds to influence the polls.

The group urged the electoral commission to replace officials it believed were compromised and called on security agencies to resist any attempt to influence the process. It warned that the credibility of the elections could be at risk without urgent intervention.

Responding on Thursday, the state’s Commissioner for Information-designate, Ahmed Maiyaki, described the allegations as false and politically motivated. Flanked by the Commissioner for Local Government, Sadiq Mamman-Lagos, he said the claims were an attempt to pre-empt defeat at the polls.

Maiyaki maintained that the conduct of the elections was entirely INEC’s responsibility and accused the coalition of trying to involve the government in its political troubles. He said while the allegations were being made, Governor Uba Sani was in Chikun Local Government launching the construction of the Romi–Karatudu Township Roads, which he described as part of the administration’s development drive.

The state government credited its policies with fostering peace and unity in Kaduna, insisting that the governor’s popularity was unsettling his opponents. Mamman-Lagos also rejected separate claims of illegal deductions from local government funds.

Saturday’s bye-elections are expected to be a contest of strength between the ruling APC and the opposition. As both sides exchange accusations, focus is now on INEC and security agencies to deliver a peaceful and credible process.