Tension marred Saturday’s local government election in Niger State as angry youths in Kontagora chased away a House of Representatives member, Abdullahi Idris Garba, from a polling unit, accusing him of political interference and failing to deliver good governance.
Garba, who represents Kontagora, Mariga, Mashegu and Wushishi Federal Constituency, reportedly arrived at the Tudun Wada Utia polling unit after voting and attempted to monitor the ongoing process when the incident occurred.
But dozens of youths confronted him, insisting he had no right to stay back after casting his ballot. In a video obtained by PLATFORM TIMES, the mob could be heard shouting, “You have refused to deliver justice to the people. Once you vote, leave this place!”
Efforts by the lawmaker to remain at the scene sparked louder protests as the youths hurled insults and forced him to leave amid jeers.
Garba, popularly known as “Mai Sola,” was escorted out as the crowd continued chanting that politicians should not be allowed to monitor or interfere with voting.
The confrontation came hours before violent clashes erupted in the Central Ward of Kontagora where two persons were confirmed dead and three others seriously injured after security operatives reportedly fired shots to disperse rioting youths.
Trouble reportedly began when a former Commissioner of Finance in the state, Abdullahi Maikano, visited polling units outside his ward to observe voting activities. Youths blocked him and insisted he had no business at the centres.
Eyewitnesses said stones were thrown at the former commissioner as he attempted to leave, prompting security personnel to shoot into the air. The shooting led to fatalities and widespread panic, forcing election suspension in the area.
The violence followed a controversial campaign remark by a state lawmaker, Aliyu Ahmed Sheshi, who recently claimed ballot papers would not be taken to polling units for the November 1 polls, sparking public outrage and fear of electoral manipulation.
Sheshi, who represents Wushishi and heads the APC campaign team for the area, later doubled down on his statement at a political rally despite public condemnation.
As of press time, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the clashes or confirm the casualties. Niger State Independent Electoral Commission officials also remained silent on disruptions in the affected wards.
Saturday’s election, meant to usher in new leadership at the council level, was widely seen as a litmus test for grassroots democracy in the state.
But the scenes witnessed in Kontagora — from lawmakers chased away by angry voters to violent confrontations resulting in deaths — have again raised concerns about the increasing volatility of local elections across Nigeria.
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