The political temperature in Zamfara State has risen sharply following a call by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the immediate arrest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Women Leader, Hajiya Rabi Madawaki.
The APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, accused Madawaki of making “violent threats” at a recent political event in Gusau remarks the party claims were aimed at intimidating opposition supporters in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. What made the moment more explosive, the party noted, was the presence of the state governor’s wife, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda, during the incident.
In the words of the statement:
“Elections are always supposed to be free, fair and non-violent in a civilised society. That is why, under a democratic setting such as what Nigeria is trying to accomplish, contesting candidates go around the nooks and crannies of their areas to appeal to the electorate using mouth-watering promises some fulfilled, others never seeing the light of day.”
Rather than promote campaign issues or political programs, Idris claimed Madawaki chose to stoke fear.
He said: “As we are fast approaching another election season, the state PDP Women Leader, Hajiya Rabi Madawaki, in the presence of the governor’s wife, came out with a completely savage way of forcing support for Governor Dauda Lawal.”
He further alleged that Madawaki, speaking in Hausa, repeatedly said: “Anyone who does not vote for Dauda, we will maim, beat him” (Zamuci ubanshi, zamu yi masa duka).
The APC expressed concern over the implications of such statements, especially from someone who does not hold an official government position.
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“This came from a PDP leader who holds no official position in state government. If she could say this in public, one wonders what the governor and his allies might be planning for the 2027 elections.”
The party labeled her remarks as “uncultured utterances” and called on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly.
“We call on the security agencies, especially the police and DSS, to arrest the Women Leader, Hajiya Rabi Madawaki, over her threats. She is not covered by any immunity.”
The APC concluded by linking Madawaki’s comments to a broader concern about political intolerance, warning that such rhetoric contradicts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for a more inclusive and civil political environment.
“Threats to life and intimidation are things Nigerians are trying to eliminate from the political space. President Tinubu has been leading by example in persuading more people to join the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.”