The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC has demanded the immediate arrest of the Zamfara State PDP Women leader, Hajiya Rabi Madawaki, over alleged unguarded utterances and threats against electorates who may not be willing to cast their votes for Governor Dauda Lawal in the 2027 governorship election.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the APC Zamfara State Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau and made available to newsmen in Gusau, the State capital.
According to the statement, the party accused Madawaki of making threatening remarks during a public event attended by the Governor’s wife, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, on Friday, May 16, 2025, in Gusau.
Mallam Gusau said that Madawaki, while speaking in Hausa, allegedly mentioned that “anyone who does not vote for Dauda, we will be maimed, beaten and killed (zamu ci ubanshi, zamu yi mashi duka), repeating the phrase several times to emphasize her point”;;
Gusau criticized the remarks, pointing out that elections should be free, fair, and non-violent in any civilized society, noting that in a democratic setting, candidates are expected to appeal to voters through promises and policies, not threats and intimidation.
“But threats to life and intimidation? No. These are the exact things Nigerians are trying to remove from the political scene,”;; he added.
He further stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working towards promoting peaceful and democratic elections.
The statement further alleged that if a mere PDP Women Leader could make such threats publicly, there might be larger plans by the governor and his associates against the Zamfara electorates.
The party called on security agencies, particularly the police and the Department of State Services, DSS, to immediately arrest Madawaki for her remarks, stressing that she is not protected by any immunity and should be treated as any ordinary citizen.
“We also want to remind security operatives of past incidents involving gun-wielding PDP thugs, some of whom were arrested. This latest declaration should form part of the evidence against any violence that may arise”;;
The statement added that APC has also revisited its long-standing accusations against Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration, alleging support for banditry and neglect of victims of attacks in the state. It claimed that the 2023 governorship election was marred by the influence of military officers, which it believes unfairly swayed the election in favor of the PDP.
The party emphasized its stance as a strong opposition in the state, asserting that it would not be intimidated by threats and remains committed to ensuring that the will of the people prevails.
