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The Zamfara Democracy Monitoring Group (ZDMG) has raised serious concerns over the recent surge of police and security personnel movements across the state, just days before the rerun elections.
According to the group’s chairman, Lawali Hassan, intelligence received indicates that a high-ranking Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) from Force Headquarters, along with units from Kaduna, Zaria, Sokoto, and Gombe, have been deployed to Zamfara.
The mobilisation also includes personnel from the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) and Mobile Police units.
Hassan described the scale and timing of the deployment as alarming, warning that it could heighten tensions in a state already grappling with insecurity.
“Rather than reassuring the public, this heavy show of force risks creating fear and undermining trust in the electoral process,” he said.
The group noted that during the previous elections, military personnel—including the Air Force and Navy—were unusually involved in civilian-led voting activities.
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Hassan argued that such interventions compromise the independence of elections and threaten citizens’ right to vote freely.
“The pattern we are seeing now, with concentrated security presence in key areas, raises concerns that the process could be skewed in favour of a particular political party,” Hassan said.
He emphasised that voters must be allowed to exercise their rights without intimidation, manipulation, or undue pressure.
ZDMG called on government authorities to reconsider the deployment and ensure the elections remain fair and transparent.
Hassan also appealed to civil society organisations, political parties, and international observers to speak out against any actions that could undermine democracy.
He concluded with a firm warning: “We are prepared to act decisively to protect the integrity of the elections.
“The people’s voice must be respected, and the principles of democracy upheld. Security forces should safeguard the public, not influence their choices.”