By Aminu Dalhatu
The Special Adviser to the Zamfara State Governor on Political Matters and Inter-Relations, Nura Sani Abdullahi, says his office has engaged various political parties and support groups to promote peaceful political activities and strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abdullahi stated this while speaking with journalists in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
Abdullahi noted that the engagement was aimed at ensuring peaceful electioneering campaigns, stressing that the state government would not tolerate abusive or defamatory statements, the mobilisation of youths under the influence of drugs, or the use of dangerous weapons during political campaigns.
He said his office had registered 100 political support groups that would work assiduously toward supporting the re-election bid of Governor Dauda Lawal and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the groups have structures across the 14 local government areas, 147 wards and 3,529 polling units in the state.
Nura Abdullahi explained that the groups had been given the necessary materials and orientation to enable them effectively mobilise people and communicate political messages at the grassroots.
He said the office would continue to work with the groups to strengthen grassroots engagement and support the administration’s political activities.
Abdullahi also disclosed that his office had engaged political parties in the state as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment for political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said that out of the 22 political parties invited to the engagement, 20 state chairmen attended the meeting, where they discussed ways of ensuring peaceful political campaigns.
The Special Adviser said representatives of security agencies, including the Department of State Services, DSS, were also involved in the engagement.
He added that the participants agreed to conduct political activities peacefully and avoid actions capable of disrupting public order during the electioneering period.
Nura Abdullahi said discussions with some political parties were ongoing, adding that at least eight parties had expressed readiness to align with Governor Dauda Lawal and support the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates.
He, however, clarified that the initial engagement with the political parties was primarily aimed at creating an enabling environment for peaceful political activities and not specifically to secure political alliances.
On reconciliation within the APC, the Special Adviser said his office had been engaging aggrieved members and support groups through dialogue in an effort to bring them back into the party’s activities.
Nura Sani Abdullahi further revealed that, some supporters became aggrieved over expectations arising from their support for Governor Dauda Lawal during the last general elections.
According to him, the governor had appointed commissioners, special advisers, board members and board chairmen, among other political appointees and it was part of their responsibilities to support who work for the party victory in their communities.
He urged the political appointees to maintain contact with supporters at the grassroots and address issues affecting them within their respective communities.
The Special Adviser said political appointees should not rely solely on their official duties but should also return to their communities and contribute to grassroots mobilisation.
He disclosed that his office had successfully reconciled with some aggrieved groups through dialogue and encouraged them to return to political activities.
Mr. Abdullahi added that issues beyond the capacity of his office were referred to the governor for consideration.
He said some of the reconciled groups had pledged to continue mobilising support for the administration and participating in its political activities.
The Special Adviser reaffirmed the commitment of his office to dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful political engagement as Zamfara State prepares for the 2027 general elections.
