Khadijah Shehu Abdulkareem
Political tensions are running high ahead of Saturday’s by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states, as rival parties trade allegations of sabotage and mobilise supporters in what is seen as an early test for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. In Kaduna State, a coalition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), led by former governor Nasir el-Rufai, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of recruiting thousands of thugs to disrupt polls in Chikun/Kajuru, Sabon Gari, and Zaria. ADC North-West Vice Chairman, Jafa’aru Ibrahim Sani, alleged that the APC-led government was plotting violence, bribing electoral officials, and engaging in vote-buying, claims swiftly dismissed by state officials as baseless.
The contests have been described as a battle for influence between the Federal Government and governors in PDP-controlled states, while in APC strongholds, the ruling party faces stiff opposition from the ADC-led coalition. Former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu accused the APC of attempting to secure all 16 seats as part of a “2027 national takeover strategy,” while National Chairman David Mark urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair, and transparent polls to restore public trust.
In Ogun State, the ADC accused the government of using security agencies to disrupt its campaign for the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency seat. State Chairman Femi Soluade said police dismantled canopies, seized equipment, and blocked access to a rally venue in Ishara despite prior approval, calling it an “anti-democratic” act. The party’s candidate, Solomon Osho, claimed the venue had been used by other parties without obstruction in recent days.
Security concerns have also prompted INEC to relocate polling units in five wards of Munya Local Council, Niger State, to safer locations. Resident Electoral Commissioner Ahmed Yushau Garki said the move was precautionary despite reports of restored peace in the affected areas. In Jigawa State, police announced the temporary closure of the border with Niger Republic from midnight Friday until 6:00 p.m. Saturday to prevent external interference in the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency by-election.
INEC confirmed that all non-sensitive materials had been delivered, while sensitive materials, including fully charged Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, were ready for deployment. National Commissioner Sam Olumekun assured that election technology had been configured and that security agencies were working closely with the commission to ensure a peaceful and credible process.