The Zamfara Good Governance Group, ZGGG, says despite attempts by the state’s deputy governor, the chief of staff to the governor, some commissioners and other senior government officials to tilt the outcome of the just concluded by-election, the All Progressives Congress, APC, came out victorious.
Applauding party faithful and supporters for standing their ground in defence of their votes, the group urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to continue to maintain transparency and guarantee that the final outcome reflects the will of the people
It also acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who it said ensured that the All Progressives Congress APC, remained a strong political force in Zamfara State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, ZGGG President, Murtala Abdullahi said Matawalle’s role in sustaining the APC’s grassroots strength even after leaving office as governor two years ago was commendable.
Abdullahi said the results collated by independent observers so far were a testament to the minister’s enduring political influence and commitment to his party.
“Despite not holding the reins of state government, Matawalle has shown uncommon leadership and loyalty to the APC. The bye-election has once again demonstrated his firm connection with the people and his ability to inspire confidence in our great party.
”Zamfara remains firmly rooted in the APC because of the structures and trust he built during his tenure,” Abdullahi said.
“Zamfara people stood tall in the face of undue pressure. Supporters of our party displayed courage, resilience, and faith in democracy. Their determination to protect their choice is commendable and has ensured that the APC continues to show dominance in Zamfara’s political space,” Abdullahi stated.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared the bye-election inconclusive due to irregularities in some polling units and announced that a new date for the supplementary poll would soon be fixed, but the group warned that democracy must be defended at all costs.
It said, ”We call on INEC to ensure that the supplementary election is free, fair, and credible. The people of Zamfara have spoken, and their voice must not be silenced by manipulation or malpractice.”
Noting that the Defence minister’s accessibility and grassroots engagement had kept the APC united and motivated, Abdullahiu said.
“Matawalle’s presence is still strongly felt in Zamfara. His ability to balance his role at the federal level with his commitment to his home state has kept the party machinery active and formidable.
The ZGGG further urged APC members and stakeholders to consolidate on the momentum by closing ranks and working for the collective interest of the people, emphasising that internal unity and focus on service delivery would strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.
“The legacy of resilience and commitment that Matawalle represents is the reason Zamfara continues to stand with the APC. We are confident that the final result will confirm the people’s choice,” Abdullahi said.
The group also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters during the supplementary poll, stressing that the courage displayed by citizens in the initial exercise must not be undermined.
“Zamfara people deserve a credible electoral process that reflects their will. We trust that INEC will soon announce a date for the supplementary election and that the voices of our people will ultimately prevail,” Abdullahi added.
Zamfara: APC won by-election despite attempts to subvert victory – Group asserts
