PDP alleges APC deploying DSS, Army, others to rig Zamfara by-election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government of plotting to use security agencies to influence the rescheduled Kaura Namoda state constituency by-election in Zamfara state.

The PDP alleged that a minister from Zamfara has deployed “full battalions of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Mobile Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS) from Abuja and other parts of the country” to secure victory for the APC in today’s poll.

In a statement, the opposition party said the development was evidence of the continuing emasculation of Nigeria’s democratic space by the President Bola Tinubu-led APC government, as seen in recent by-elections across the country.

The PDP said reports from the Kaura Namoda South state constituency by-election held on August 16 showed it was “marred by massive intimidation, threats and harassment of the voters by APC-controlled security agencies.”

Debo Ologunagba, PDP national publicity secretary, told journalists in Abuja on Wednesday that “photographs/video evidence reveal the brutalisation of voters and carting away of ballot boxes by heavily armed security personnel who boasted that they were acting on orders from above.

“As a result of the induced intimidation and suppression of votes, the election, which the PDP overwhelmingly won, was curiously declared ‘inconclusive’ in five polling units, namely Alko/Shiyar Kudu PU, Sakajiki Ward; Shiyar Magaji/Kofar Hamza PU, Kyambarawa Ward,” the statement reads.

“Shiyar Nufawa/Kofar MD Nuhu PU, Sakajiki Ward; Tukasu/Sabuwar Kasuwa PU, Kyambarawa Ward; Kofar Fada/Shiyar Fada PU, Kyambarawa Ward, with the intent to enable the APC to manipulate the electoral process and allocate the victory of the PDP in the election to the APC.”

Ologunagba further alleged that the APC involved a minister from Zamfara to carry out the act.

“In their desperation to subvert the Will of the people in the re-run election scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, 21st August 2025,” the statement reads.

“The APC in an operation which allegedly has the involvement of a minister from Zamfara State is currently deploying full battalions of the army, the navy, the air force, the mobile police force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS) from Abuja and other parts of the country to just five polling units in Zamfara State.

“The aim of this nefarious deployment is to foist a siege mentality on the people of the Constituency, intimidate, terrorize and prevent them from coming out to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to vote, having realized that the APC has been soundly rejected by the people of Zamfara State.”

According to the PDP, intelligence reports indicated that the APC was planning to use security agencies to bully and prevent officials of INEC from conducting a free, fair and credible electoral process.

It warned that such actions constitute a clear and present danger to democracy, stability and the corporate existence of our country, knowing from history that the Zamfara people are not a conquered people but always stand firm to defend their rights in the face of any aggression.”

The party urged Nigerians and the international community to take note of what it described as APC’s state-backed intimidation and force, warning that it was a signal of creeping totalitarianism and a one-party state, which is a recipe for crisis.”