16th August 2025
By Peter Omopo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned against any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the Babura/Garki federal constituency by-election scheduled for Saturday in Jigawa State.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Umar Kyari, cautioned electoral authorities, security agencies, and political stakeholders against undermining the process.
“We want to put everyone on notice that PDP supporters are vigilant and ready to resist any form of manipulation during this election,” Kyari said, stressing that the party would not tolerate any breach of electoral ethics.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee a transparent and credible exercise.
“INEC must rise to the occasion and protect the will of the people,” he added.
Kyari also called on security agencies to ensure peace and prevent voter intimidation, while encouraging electorates and party members to remain calm but resolute in defending their votes.
The PDP spokesman alleged that there were plots by certain groups to unlawfully influence the poll but vowed the party’s readiness to resist any such attempts.
“We will fight any threat to democracy in this crucial electoral contest,” Kyari declared.
Confident in the party’s grassroots support, he expressed optimism that the people’s verdict would favour the PDP.
The Babura/Garki by-election was necessitated by the death of the constituency’s representative in the House of Representatives and is expected to be a keenly contested race between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
