Zamfara Governor’s Aide Warns Against Vote Buying Ahead of Kaura Namoda Bye-Election

|By Adejumo Adekunle

…INEC schedules poll for August 16 following lawmaker’s death
…Parties urged to support credible, peaceful electoral process

The Special Adviser to Zamfara State Governor on Political Matters, Alhaji Iliyasu Maijega, has called on political parties to comply strictly with electoral laws and shun all forms of malpractice during the upcoming bye-election in Kaura Namoda South State Assembly constituency.

Maijega made the appeal on Thursday in Gusau while addressing journalists. He urged political actors to allow the electorate vote freely without coercion or inducement.

“No party should be involved in vote buying or trading of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). We must let people vote their conscience without intimidation,” Maijega warned.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 16 for the bye-election following the death of Hon. Aminu Kasuwar-Daji, who previously represented the constituency in the State House of Assembly.

Maijega emphasized that the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal remains committed to upholding democratic values and ensuring transparent electoral processes.

“Governor Lawal is completely against vote buying and any form of election rigging. We must follow the rules and respect the rights of the voters,” he said.

He called for the cooperation of all political parties with INEC to ensure the poll is free, fair, and peaceful. “Let’s work with INEC and the security agencies to deliver a credible election,” Maijega added.

The political aide also expressed optimism about the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming bye-election. According to him, the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment give the party a clear edge.

“We are confident of victory because we have delivered results that matter to the people,” he stated.

The bye-election in Kaura Namoda South is expected to be a key test for all participating parties, with growing calls for cleaner electoral practices across Nigeria.