PDP Heads to Court Over Adamawa By-Election, Alleges Police Bias
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State has vowed to challenge the outcome of the recently concluded Ganye State Constituency by-election, citing electoral irregularities and alleged security compromise.
Chairman of the PDP in the state, Shehu Tahir, accused Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Taiwo Adeleke of enabling the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the election results by providing them with protection during the process.
Tahir alleged that Mustapha Salisu, the APC’s National Vice Chairman for the North-East, was found in possession of election materials inside his vehicle while AIG Adeleke was present. Despite this, no action was taken against Salisu.
“I personally contacted AIG Adeleke that night to alert him to the incident. He responded by saying that Salisu didn’t use the materials—this clearly indicates he was aware of the manipulation,” Tahir claimed.
He further warned that if the election result is not overturned by a competent court, it could set a dangerous precedent for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
“If this level of compromise is tolerated, then by 2027, democracy could be at risk. If an AIG is required to oversee a state constituency election, does that mean we’ll need 109 IGs for the National Assembly polls?” he asked.
Tahir also issued a moral warning to those who he believes attained power through fraudulent means.
“Former IG Balogun, Abacha, and Buhari are no longer alive. Whatever wealth they accumulated through dishonest means, they have all gone to face judgment. The public resources they cornered will eventually become a curse for their families,” he stated.
Responding to the allegations, the spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed that a box bearing INEC’s name was indeed found in Salisu’s car. However, he added that INEC officials later clarified the item was not part of their official election materials.
“Yes, the PDP raised concerns about Salisu having election materials. A box labeled with INEC’s name was discovered, but following an investigation, INEC confirmed it was not theirs,” Nguroje said.