By: IDNN News Politics
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have accused the Federal Government of militarising last weekend’s by-elections, alleging widespread intimidation, vote buying, and violence.
The PDP Governors’ Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, issued the allegation in a communiqué after its meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Saturday. The governors insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) deployed security forces excessively, tilting the exercise in its favour.
The by-elections, held to fill vacant senatorial and House of Representatives seats on August 9, saw the APC win 12 constituencies, the PDP secure only one, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) claimed two and one seats respectively.
“The Forum condemns the over-militarisation of last Saturday’s by-elections characterised by widespread irregularities, vote buying and violence. Nigerians must be vigilant in protecting their votes,” the communiqué stated.
The governors urged party members and Nigerians at large to resist intimidation, stressing that recent outcomes would not erode the PDP’s grassroots support or its role as “the only viable alternative for restoring Nigeria along the path of good governance.”
They also reaffirmed the November 15 date for the PDP’s national convention, warning against what they described as “anti-party forces” attempting to derail preparations.
At the same time, the forum praised efforts by the Zamfara State government in curbing insecurity but condemned what it called “monstrous killings” in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, and Benue States, urging the federal government to show greater responsibility in safeguarding lives.
Presidency, APC hit back
The Presidency dismissed the claims as baseless, insisting that the elections were free and fair. Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said opposition parties had not been denied freedom to campaign or vote.
“What anti-democratic actions and intimidation are they talking about? They contested and lost. Instead of admitting failure, they are looking for excuses. There is nothing undemocratic in this government’s posture,” Ajayi told reporters.
In a similar tone, APC’s North-Central Forum chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, described the PDP governors’ statements as irrelevant. He argued that the by-election results reflected APC’s strength and the confidence Nigerians reposed in President Bola Tinubu.
“Is there any PDP again? They are in factions. We don’t take them seriously. The elections show that we are fully on ground, and President Tinubu is coming back. The masses are truly with us,” Zazzaga said.
With both parties trading accusations, the by-elections have intensified Nigeria’s already charged political atmosphere, setting the stage for what could be a stormy build-up to the 2027 general elections.
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