Niger Local Government Elections Marred by Controversy and Protests
Widespread irregularities and allegations of electoral manipulation have overshadowed Saturday’s local government elections in Niger State, with opposition parties and voters rejecting the preliminary results that show the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) maintaining a significant lead.
Across the state’s 25 local government areas, numerous polling units reported severe delays or complete absence of electoral materials and officials. The Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) faces accusations from opposition parties of collaborating with the APC to suppress voter participation and manipulate outcomes.
Protests erupted in multiple local government areas including Suleja, Wushishi, and Lavun, where citizens alleged result tampering and intimidation by security forces. In Chanchaga LGA’s Veterinary Polling Unit, voter Musa Usman Wada reported significant discrepancies in the voter register, with only 500 names listed instead of the expected 1,500.
The situation in Rijau LGA was particularly contentious, where PDP Returning Officer Abdullahi Shehu Mohammed claimed no legitimate election occurred. According to Mohammed, only 35,800 of the designated 40,000 ballot papers were distributed, and essential electoral personnel were absent throughout the day.
Hon. Isah Barau, SDP Chairman for Chanchaga LGA, highlighted severe shortages in ballot paper distribution, with only half of the required 220,000 papers provided. PDP Secretary Bello Nasiru Gabas reported harassment of party officials, including arrests and vehicle seizures.
Adding to the tension, Governor Umar Bago’s convoy was attacked Sunday in his hometown of Bida by protesters following a controversial cash distribution event. The incident resulted in injuries, including to Abubakar Mustapha, Chairman of the New Niger Development Project.
In a separate development, the APC suspended House of Representatives member Yusuf Kure Baraje for alleged anti-party activities. The suspension, announced by Paikoro LGA APC Chairman Baba Achi, further exposes internal party divisions following previous controversies over leadership selection.
The contentious election has raised serious questions about the integrity of local electoral processes and NSIEC’s ability to conduct fair elections. Despite multiple attempts, APC State Publicity Secretary Musa Danjuma Sarkinkaji and other government officials were unavailable for comment on the allegations.
These developments follow a July ruling by Justice Abdullahi Mikaili that challenged the legitimacy of an incumbent council chairman’s position, highlighting ongoing governance challenges in Niger State’s local administration system.
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