Kebbi ADC Condemns Alleged Threats Against Gwandu Voters, Calls on Journalists to Ensure Fairness

By Yusuf Gwandu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kebbi State Chapter, has condemned alleged threats and intimidation reportedly attributed to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gwandu Local Government Area, Hon. Atiku Kalcha.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the party’s Deputy Publicity Secretary, Engr. Abubakar Atiku Musa, the ADC, alleged that Kalcha warned that anyone who goes to a polling unit in Gwandu and refuses to vote for the APC candidate would be punished or attacked.

The party, however, stressed that the allegation requires urgent, impartial, and thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities.

The ADC said that if an investigation confirms that such statements were made, it would amount to a serious threat to electoral freedom, democracy and public peace rather than merely an attack against a political opponent.

The party reminded politicians and their supporters that voting is a fundamental right of every Nigerian and that citizens should be allowed to vote for candidates of their choice without fear, intimidation, coercion or violence

The ADC called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to investigate the alleged statements and take appropriate action if threats or plans to incite violence are established

It also urged security agencies to strengthen measures to protect lives and property before, during, and after elections.

The opposition party further called on civil society organisations, human rights groups, NGOs and election observers to monitor areas where there are signs of violence, intimidation or threats against voters and document any credible violations for appropriate action.

On the role of the media, the ADC urged journalists and media organisations to verify reports of threats and violence before publication, warning that unverified information could heighten tension and cause public unrest.

The party also recalled previous reports of politically related violence in the state, including an alleged attack on Alhaji Abubakar Malami, SAN, an ADC candidate, during which it said some vehicles were damaged and individuals injured.

The ADC said it did not want a repetition of such incidents in Kebbi State and urged all political parties, leaders, and supporters to avoid statements and actions capable of triggering violence.

The party also called on the Kebbi State Government to provide a peaceful and secure environment for citizens to participate in political activities and exercise their right to vote freely.

“No political party should have the power to take away a citizen’s right to vote,” the party said, stressing that voters’ choices must be respected.

The ADC further appealed to politicians to remember that “politics is not war,” urging them to conduct campaigns and political activities with respect, tolerance, peace, and adherence to the law.

The party said it would continue to advocate democracy, electoral freedom, the rule of law, and peace in Kebbi State.