Stakeholders in Zamfara State have called for enhanced security measures ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing banditry, kidnapping, and political violence as primary threats to the conduct of peaceful polls. The demand was raised during a two-day citizens’ engagement on election security facilitated by the CLEEN Foundation with support from the Open Society Foundation.
The forum brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organizations, women and youth groups, and the media. During the discussions, specific local government areas were identified as requiring particular attention in security planning due to existing challenges.
Areas flagged for high-risk intervention included Tsafe, Zurmi, Maru, Anka, Bukkuyum, Shinkafi, and Birnin Magaji. Additionally, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, and Talata Mafara were identified as locations needing enhanced preparedness. Participants highlighted a range of potential threats, including election-related violence, political thuggery, voter intimidation, vote buying and selling, ballot snatching, and the spread of misinformation and hate speech.
Beyond immediate security risks, stakeholders pointed to systemic factors that could undermine election security, such as weak early-warning and early-response systems, inadequate information-sharing, and limited logistics in hard-to-reach areas. Socio-economic issues, including drug abuse among youths, low civic awareness, poverty, and unemployment, were also cited as contributing vulnerabilities.
The stakeholders called for the timely deployment of adequate security personnel to high-risk and hard-to-reach areas, as well as coordinated action to prevent armed groups from controlling communities and to curb the circulation of small arms.
Participants demanded firm action against electoral malpractices, specifically targeting vote buying, selling, and ballot snatching. They also called for specific measures to protect vulnerable groups, including women, youths, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons, from intimidation and voter suppression. Furthermore, the group advocated for stronger community-based early-warning mechanisms and accessible channels for reporting threats.
These demands were formalized in an Election Security Risk Assessment and Citizens’ Charter of Demand. The stakeholders stated that this document should be implemented and monitored by relevant authorities to ensure a secure environment for the 2027 elections.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
