Report by Abdulrazak Kaura; Editing by Basirat Memudu
Thirteen political parties are set to participate in the upcoming Kaura Namoda South State Constituency by-election scheduled for August 16, 2025.
This was confirmed by the Information and Voter Education Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Zamfara State, Alhaji Mukhtar Samaila, during an exclusive interview with Radio Nigeria in Gusau.
He said, “We have 13 political parties participating in the election out of the 14 registered with INEC in the state.”
Alhaji Samaila assured that INEC, under the leadership of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mahmud Isah, is committed to conducting a smooth, free, fair, credible, and acceptable election.
He added that all critical stakeholders, including security agencies, have been engaged to ensure adequate security coverage on election day.
According to him, polling units in hard-to-reach areas would be relocated to safer locations.
The participating political parties include A, AA, ADP, ADC, APGA, APC, APP, APM, BOOT, NNPP, NRM, PDP, and ZLP.
In a related development, the Zamfara State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Kabiru Garba, told Radio Nigeria that Hon. Manir Sodangi Sakajiki emerged as the party’s candidate after a primary election held in Kasuwar Daji town.
Also speaking to Radio Nigeria, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris Gusau, said the party produced a consensus candidate, Hon. Kamilu Sa’idu, following the withdrawal of other aspirants. The primary was supervised by a committee from the APC National Secretariat, led by Barrister Babande B. Imam.
He stated that all 30 delegates from the six wards endorsed the candidate and expressed confidence in the party’s chances.
For the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), State Secretary, Naziru Ibrahim Rufa’i announced that Hon. Lawal Muhammad Kurya would contest under the party’s banner.
He explained that although 14 aspirants initially expressed interest, only four obtained forms, and all later stepped down, allowing Kurya to emerge unopposed.
All the parties said their primary election exercises were monitored by INEC officials and security representatives.
The Kaura Namoda South Constituency comprises six wards: Kyambarawa, Kuryar Madaro, Sakajiki, Banga, Dan Isah, and Kagara, with a total of 109 polling units, 59,490 registered voters while only 56,398 PVCs were collected.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of the former representative, Malam Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar Daji of APC, who passed away on April 9, 2025, after a brief illness.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has assured residents of its readiness to ensure security throughout the electoral process.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, Commissioner of Police CP Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba has met with other security agencies to coordinate efforts for a peaceful election.
“No stone will be left unturned,” DSP Yazid said, urging all political parties and stakeholders to act in accordance with the law.
However, the by-election preparations come amid rising insecurity in the area.
The notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Bello Kaura, also known as Dansadiya, has intensified attacks across Kaura Namoda South.
In recent days, he and his gang reportedly abducted 46 people and killed two in Kyambarawa village, kidnapped 42 in Maguru, abducted 22 and killed one in Banga and Kuryar Madaro, and raided Tukasu and Shagerawa villages.
In the latest attack on Shagerawa, one person was killed and a large number of livestock and goods were stolen.
Despite the escalating violence, security agencies have yet to issue a formal statement on the attacks.
