by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A coalition of African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kaduna State, has raised alarm over alleged plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party to manipulate the upcoming Saturday 16th August 3025 bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and Sabon-Gari and Zaria State Constituencies.
In a joint statement, the coalition accused Kaduna State Government of recruiting 4,000 thugs, compromising INEC officials, and diverting public funds to sabotage the electoral process.
The ADC/SDP coalition claimed that the APC-led Kaduna State Government has recruited about 4,000 thugs from within and outside the state to intimidate voters, harass opposition members, and disrupt collation centers during the August 16 bye-elections.
The coalition warned that the move was part of a broader plot to rig the elections in favor of APC candidates.
Also in a press conference jointly addressed by Jafaru Ibrahim Sani – ADC National Vice Chairman, North-West Elder Patrick Ambut, ADC Kaduna State Chairman, Hon Nasiru Maikano, SDP Kaduna State Chairman, the trios further alleged that State Government was attempting to compromise INEC officials by offering them plots of lands and other inducements.
According to the coalition, high-level INEC personnel and technical staff have held secret meetings with Kaduna State officials, raising concerns about the impartiality of the electoral process.
The coalition also accused the Kaduna State Government of coercing the 23 local governments to contribute N30 million each – totaling N690 million – towards what it termed as an “election sabotage fund.”
Additionally, they alleged that N4.8 billion had been provided from Abuja to facilitate vote-buying, bribery of security agents and other electoral malpractices.
“A disgraced former senator, known for past electoral violence, was reportedly put in-charge of disbursing these funds.”
The ADC/SDP coalition named a serving Commissioner for Local Government Affairs as coordinator of the alleged rigging scheme.
They also accused officials from Kudan, Soba, and Zaria local governments of recruiting thugs to attack opposition campaign events and disrupt their activities.
The coalition called on INEC to immediately replace compromised officials and ensure a transparent election.
They also urged security agencies to prevent violence and arrest anyone involved in voter intimidation, including APC-affiliated thugs. The statement warned that failure to act could lead to unrest among voters and opposition supporters.
The coalition, however, demanded immediate investigations and prosecutions of those involved in the alleged plot. The coalition vowed to resist any attempt to subvert the will of the people in the upcoming polls.
However, the Kaduna State Government has dismissed allegations by the ADC and SDP coalition that it plans to disrupt Saturday’s bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and Zaria/Sabon-Gari State Constituencies.
The government described the claims as “laughable” and threatened legal action against the opposition parties for what it termed “defamatory and baseless accusations.”
Speaking through the Honorable Commissioner of Information Kaduna State, Ahmed Maiyaki, the State Government accused the ADC/SDP coalition of raising false alarms to preemptively discredit the election results, following what it called their “poorly-attended” campaigns.
It stated that the opposition’s allegations of “vote-buying” and “thug recruitment” were desperate attempts to explain their impending loss.”
Emphasizing neutrality, the government clarified that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is solely in-charge of election logistics and integrity.
It dismissed the opposition’s claims as a “mischievous” attempt to drag the state government into their “self-inflicted political misery.”
The Kaduna State Government, however, revealed that it has directed its legal team to review the allegations for possible defamation lawsuits.
Government also vowed to hold the opposition accountable for spreading “wild, unsubstantiated claims” and maligning government officials.
While addressing the allegations, the government highlighted Governor Uba Sani’s ongoing developmental projects, including the groundbreaking of Romi-Karatudu Township Roads in Chikun LGA – an area allegedly neglected by the previous administration.
The government urged voters to ignore the opposition’s “ranting” and turn out en masse for a peaceful election. It expressed confidence in the APC’s victory, citing good governance, inclusivity, and developmental strides under Gov Sani’s leadership.
The Kaduna State Government reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, dismissing the ADC/SDP coalition’s claims as the “theatrics of political leftovers” from the previous administration. It assured residents of a free and fair electoral process, while warning against attempts to destabilize the state.
These have not only continued to raise tension ahead of the bye-elections, as allegations have heightened fears of possible electoral violence. “Observers are calling on INEC and security agencies to take urgent steps to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Kaduna State.”