Heavy security presence overshadowed the Ganye State Constituency by-election in Adamawa State on Saturday, as the two major political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) traded accusations amid concerns over military deployment and alleged voter inducement.
The election, organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), witnessed a large turnout but was marred by political tension and controversy surrounding the extent of security arrangements.
Speaking to newsmen after casting his vote, Adamawa PDP Chairman Tahir Shehu criticized what he described as an overwhelming and unnecessary deployment of security forces. According to him, over 2,000 military personnel and 12 armoured tanks were brought into Ganye Local Government Area for the exercise.
“We never imagined that Nigeria even had up to 12 armoured tanks,” Shehu said.
“Where are these when Boko Haram and bandits are killing soldiers and citizens in the North-East?”
He also condemned the presence of Assistant Inspector General of Police Taiwo Adeleke, who led a high-powered security operation.
“This is something a DPO could have handled. If this kind of firepower was used in Borno, we wouldn’t still be dealing with insurgency,” he added. “Even if APC relocates the Defence Headquarters here, they still won’t win.”
Firing back, former Deputy Governor of Adamawa, Martins Babale, dismissed the PDP’s complaints, saying the party no longer has a stronghold in the state.
“PDP is dead and buried in Adamawa,” Babale declared.
“Atiku Abubakar brought PDP here, but now that he’s irrelevant, Nigerians are rallying behind the APC, the only party that can sustain democracy.”
He accused the PDP of hypocrisy, arguing that the same party undermined democratic institutions during its years in power.
Observers at various polling units reported incidents of open vote buying, allegedly involving both major parties.
Despite the heavy presence of security personnel, including over 45 vehicles in AIG Adeleke’s convoy, the incidents went largely unchecked.
AIG Adeleke and his team patrolled the area throughout the day in an effort to maintain law and order.
The by-election was triggered by the death of APC lawmaker Abdumalik Jarou in May 2024, leaving the Ganye constituency seat vacant.
The outcome of the vote is seen as a litmus test for the political strength of both parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As at the time of filing this report, INEC had yet to release official results or make a formal statement on the conduct of the poll.
