The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally demanded the immediate arrest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Women Leader in Zamfara, Hajiya Rabi Madawaki, following allegations that she issued violent threats to opposition supporters during a recent political rally.
This demand, issued in a strongly worded statement on Monday by the APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, calls on security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and take decisive action against Madawaki. The APC described her alleged comments as a blatant threat to peace and a dangerous undermining of Nigeria’s democratic process as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to the APC statement, the incident occurred during a political gathering held in Gusau, Zamfara’s capital, where Hajiya Rabi Madawaki was reportedly accompanied by the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda. It was at this event that Madawaki allegedly warned opposition supporters in Hausa language, saying: “Anyone who does not vote for Governor Dauda Lawal will be maimed or beaten” (“Zamuci ubanshi, zamu yi masa duka”).
Malam Yusuf Idris emphasized that this was not just a careless remark but a deliberate attempt to intimidate voters and suppress opposition voices through fear and violence rather than political debate and promises.
“Elections in a democracy like ours must be free, fair, and peaceful,” Idris stated. “It is unacceptable for any political figure to incite violence or threaten opponents. The people of Zamfara deserve a political contest based on ideas, not intimidation.”
As Nigeria prepares for its highly anticipated 2027 general elections, political tensions across states are already escalating. Zamfara, a state with a history of electoral violence and intense party rivalry, remains a critical battleground for both the ruling APC and the opposition PDP.
Governor Dauda Lawal, representing the APC, is seeking re-election, but the PDP has made significant inroads in mobilizing support, particularly among women and youth voters. The role of party leaders like Hajiya Rabi Madawaki is pivotal in shaping campaign strategies, especially at grassroots levels.
The APC’s call for her arrest reflects concerns that inflammatory rhetoric may fuel instability in the run-up to the polls, threatening both public safety and electoral credibility.
The APC accused the PDP Women Leader of acting recklessly by making threats in a public forum, highlighting that she holds no official government position and therefore is not entitled to any immunity from prosecution.
“This kind of uncultured and dangerous utterance undermines the principles of democracy and peaceful coexistence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is championing nationwide,” the APC statement added.
President Tinubu has been vocal about fostering an inclusive political environment and discouraging violence during elections. The APC in Zamfara cited his leadership as a model for democratic conduct, contrasting it with what they describe as the PDP’s attempts to manipulate the political atmosphere through fear.
The Zamfara APC urged the Police and DSS to act swiftly, warning that failure to respond would embolden political thugs and disrupt the electoral process.
“We call on the security agencies to ensure that those who threaten the peace and security of Zamfara citizens are held accountable, irrespective of their political affiliations,” Idris said.
Political analysts have echoed similar concerns, noting that early interventions by security forces in such cases are crucial to maintaining order and confidence in the electoral system.
As of the time of writing, neither Hajiya Rabi Madawaki nor the PDP has issued a formal response to the APC’s allegations and demand for arrest. Political watchers expect that the situation will escalate in the coming days as both parties ramp up their campaigns.
The security agencies in Zamfara have yet to confirm whether any investigation or arrest has been initiated, but the public pressure is mounting.
The Zamfara incident is part of a wider national challenge where political rivalry often spills into violence, intimidation, and threats. According to reports by the Nigeria Election Violence Report (NEVR), over 50% of electoral cycles since 1999 have been marred by incidents of violence and voter intimidation, significantly undermining democratic processes.
Experts argue that without robust security measures and political accountability, Nigeria’s democratic aspirations risk being derailed by entrenched culture of election-related violence.
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, the need for peaceful political engagement and respect for democratic principles cannot be overstated. The Zamfara APC’s demand for the arrest of PDP Women Leader Hajiya Rabi Madawaki sends a stern warning that threats and intimidation will not be tolerated.
All eyes will now be on the security agencies to see whether they rise to the occasion and ensure a peaceful and credible electoral environment in Zamfara and beyond.