The Kaduna State Government has come out swinging, branding the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) as “political leftovers” peddling “laughable lies” after the coalition alleged APC was plotting to sabotage Saturday’s bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and State Constituencies in Zaria and Sabon-Gari.
Addressing journalists in Kaduna on Thursday, the Commissioner of Information (Designate), Ahmed Maiyaki, said the coalition’s claims of vote-buying and thuggery recruitment were “desperate fabrications” by parties facing certain defeat.
“Kaduna State Government has no hand in the conduct of elections. That is INEC’s exclusive responsibility. These false prophets of democracy are only trying to pre-emptively discredit a poll they know they cannot win,” Maiyaki said.
He accused the coalition of dragging the government’s name into their “self-inflicted political misery” and hinted at possible legal action over what he described as defamatory statements. He recalled that under the coalition’s political ally, a former governor, thugs once attacked the Kaduna NUJ Secretariat, injuring journalists — an act he contrasted with Governor Uba Sani’s inclusive and peaceful style of leadership.
“As we speak, His Excellency is at Romi, performing the groundbreaking for the Romi–Karatudu Township Roads in Chikun LGA — communities the former governor abandoned for eight years,” Maiyaki stated.
The government urged residents to turn out en masse on Saturday, vote peacefully, and ignore what it called the “rantings of political jobbers.” Maiyaki added that Uba Sani’s focus on inclusivity, peaceful coexistence, and developmental projects would continue to give the APC electoral victories in Kaduna State.
