The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has criticised last week’s by-elections, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the exercise amid irregularities and excessive militarisation.
In a communique issued at the conclusion of their meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State, and signed by the forum’s Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the PDP governors said the elections were marred by widespread vote buying, violence, and heavy military presence.
“The forum condemns the over-militarisation of last Saturday’s by-elections, characterised by widespread irregularities, vote buying and violence and calls on Nigerians to be more circumspect in protecting their votes,” the communique stated.
The by-elections, held on August 16 across 16 federal and state constituencies in 12 states, were conducted to fill vacancies created by the death or resignation of lawmakers elected in 2023.
Official INEC results showed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won 12 of the contested seats across nine states. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secured two seats in Anambra, the PDP won one in Oyo, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) won a seat in Kano.
While the APC maintained dominance in most constituencies, the PDP retained a foothold in Oyo and placed second in several others. APGA consolidated control in Anambra under Governor Charles Soludo.
Both the APC and PDP have filed petitions with INEC seeking cancellation of results in select constituencies, including Shanono/Bagwai and Ghari in Kano State, where allegations of malpractice and voter intimidation were reported. Vote buying was also reported in Ogun State’s Remo federal constituency.
Beyond electoral concerns, the PDP governors expressed alarm over rising insecurity across Nigeria. They cited persistent killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and other states while commending Zamfara State’s recent success in tackling insecurity.
“The forum, particularly commends initiatives by the government of Zamfara State in significantly curbing insecurity within the state; but condemns the continued monstrous killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger and Benue States and other parts of the country and calls on the federal government to be more responsive to the lives and properties of the citizenry,” the communique added.
The Gusau meeting was hosted by Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and attended by Governors Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun).
