The Zamfara Democracy Monitoring Group (ZDMG), has expressed grave concern over the massive deployment and redeployment of police officers and other security personnel across Zamfara state ahead of the forthcoming rerun elections.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Lawali Hassan, the group said it had obtained a police signal indicating the posting of a high-ranking Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) from the Force Headquarters along with units from Kaduna, Zaria, Sokoto and Gombe.
“It is with grave concern that the Zamfara Democracy Monitoring Group (ZDMG) addresses the recent developments regarding the massive police deployment and redeployment observed across the state, as indicated by a police signal received by our organisation.
“The actions taken by the authorities, which include the posting of a high-ranking Assistant Inspector General (AIG) from Force Headquarters, alongside various police units from Kaduna, Zaria and Sokoto, signal an alarming trend that threatens the integrity of our democratic processes.
“ZDMG therefore notes with dismay the presence of personnel from the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) from Gombe, Force Headquarters and Kaduna, as well as the deployment of Mobile Police (MOPOL) units.
“Such a significant mobilisation of law enforcement resources, particularly in the context of the upcoming rerun elections, raises serious questions about the intentions behind these actions.
“We are compelled to assert that this deployment appears to be a calculated maneuver aimed at ensuring electoral victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the rerun elections that were not concluded last Saturday.
“It is imperative to recall that during the recent elections, there was an unprecedented involvement of military personnel, including members of the Air Force and Navy in what should have been a civilian-led electoral process.
“The presence of these armed forces, who ordinarily have no legitimate role in democratic elections further underscores the unsettling nature of the current political climate in Zamfara.
“Their involvement not only undermines the sanctity of the electoral process but instills fear and apprehension among the electorate, thereby jeopardizing the fundamental right of citizens to participate freely and fairly in the democratic process,” the statement said.
Hassan described the development as particularly disheartening given Zamfara’s long history of insecurity and terrorism.
He noted that government’s show of force could worsen tensions instead of building trust in a fragile community.
“ZDMG firmly believes that the right to vote is sacrosanct and must be protected from any form of coercion or manipulation. We categorically reject any attempt to subvert the will of the people through intimidation or undue influence,” It said.
The group called on authorities to reconsider their actions and uphold the principles of free and fair elections, while urging civil society, political parties, and the international community to condemn what it called an unacceptable attempt to subvert democracy.
“We call upon all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, political parties, and the international community, to join us in condemning these actions and to advocate for the protection of our democratic rights,” it