The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday rejected the outcome of Saturday’s bye-elections conducted across three constituencies in the state, alleging widespread irregularities, intimidation of its members, and what it described as “Gestapo tactics” by the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state.
The PUNCH online reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission had conducted bye-elections on August 16 in Basawa State Constituency, Zaria Kewaye State Constituency, and the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency to fill vacant seats at both the state and federal levels.
In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the opposition PDP said it would not accept the declared results, insisting that the exercise fell far short of democratic standards.
“We reject the outcome of the elections in all three constituencies.
“We will be meeting with our candidates, stakeholders, and legal team to determine our next course of action,” Masha declared.
The party alleged that its candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, alongside members of his campaign committee, was abducted during the exercise by agents allegedly linked to the ruling party.
The opposition also accused the APC-led government of orchestrating the seizure of campaign funds meant for election logistics and allowances for party agents.
“These unlawful actions were carried out in full public glare. The APC shamelessly disregarded the principles of democracy and resorted to crude intimidation, vote buying, and harassment because it was unsettled by the PDP’s mass appeal in the state,” the party added.
Party leaders described the actions as part of a larger pattern of what they termed “the desperation of the failed Uba Sani-led government.”
According to them, the ruling APC adopted “commando-style” tactics to suppress voters and opposition participation.
The PDP also expressed concern over what it called an unprecedentedly low voter turnout in the elections.
It argued that the development was a direct consequence of Governor Uba Sani’s alleged mishandling of democratic processes in the state, citing in particular the failure to conduct local government elections in 2024.
“The low turnout we witnessed is a testament to the lack of confidence in the electoral process. If this undemocratic trend continues, the problem of voter apathy will worsen and may reach a dangerous peak by 2027,” Masha said.
The party warned that continued erosion of public confidence in elections would further undermine democracy in Kaduna State and the country at large.
Despite its grievances, the Kaduna PDP commended voters in the affected constituencies for what it called their “overwhelming support” during the exercise.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the good people of Basawa, Zaria Kewaye, and Chikun/Kajuru constituencies for standing by the PDP. Your unwavering commitment and support will never be taken for granted,” Masha said.
The bye-elections in the state followed months of political tension after the seats became vacant.
The Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in particular had attracted national attention, given its history as a PDP stronghold and the strategic importance of the area in Kaduna politics.
