The Kaduna State Government has rejected claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that it is plotting to rig Saturday’s bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and Zaria, Sabon-Gari State Constituencies.
At a press conference on Thursday, ADC National Vice Chairman (North-West) Jafaru Sani, accompanied by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the Kaduna ADC Chairman, alleged that the state government was planning to disrupt the polls using thugs, bribe electoral officials, and engage in vote buying. The coalition also accused the government of offering plots of land to senior INEC officials and illegally deducting local government funds.
Responding, Commissioner for Information Ahmed Maiyaki described the allegations as “baseless and mischievous,” insisting the government had no role in election conduct, which is the exclusive responsibility of INEC. He said the coalition’s “poorly attended rallies” showed its lack of popular support.
Maiyaki, who addressed journalists alongside Local Government Commissioner Sadiq Mamman-Lagos, also dismissed the land inducement claims and said lawyers had been instructed to review the allegations for possible legal action.
He accused El-Rufai’s political allies of trying to discredit Governor Uba Sani’s administration, adding that the current leadership had focused on uniting the state and delivering development projects, including the ongoing Romi–Karatudu Township Road construction in Chikun LGA.
Maiyaki urged residents to turn out and vote, calling on them to ignore what he described as unfounded accusations by “political opportunists.”
