The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns over the alleged importation of foreign nationals into the state with the intention of using them for electoral malpractices in the upcoming 2027 general election. This allegation was made by the state chairman of the PDP, Hon. Issa Adamu Bawa, during a one-day pre-election training workshop for over 3,000 PDP women across the three senatorial districts of the state. The workshop, titled "Our vote, our power – Standing Together for Our Future," aimed to prepare PDP women for the forthcoming election.
According to Bawa, the foreign nationals have allegedly been issued voter’s cards, enabling them to vote in the next general election. He identified Baruten Local Government Area in the Kwara North district as one of the areas involved in this alleged malpractice. Bawa charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be a good umpire by investigating the matter and bringing the perpetrators to book. He emphasized the need for INEC to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the state.
The PDP chairman also called on INEC to look into the alleged activities of an agency of government responsible for regulating the pasting of posters and erection of billboards. He claimed that the agency had pulled down billboards of PDP candidates in the 2027 general election. Furthermore, Bawa advised INEC to check the campaign of calumny among politicians, which had started, and to organize dialogues/debates among candidates. This, he believed, would enable them to discuss their plans for the state and its people with the Kwara people.
Bawa assured PDP women that the opposition party would make a difference when it returns to power. He cited the recent electoral victory in Osun state, which he attributed to women's involvement and participation. He charged them to take the 2027 general elections more seriously and prepare to defend their votes. The PDP chairman's address was part of the party's efforts to galvanize support and ensure a strong showing in the upcoming election.
Kwara State PDP Women Leader, Hajia Aminat Isola, emphasized the crucial role of women in the electoral process. She noted that women constituted voting power in any free, fair, peaceful, and credible election in every democracy. Isola tasked women in the state to master the voting process, from accreditation to voting, counting, and declaration of results at the polling units, and collation at the ward level during the 2027 general elections.
The PDP's concerns over electoral malpractices come as the party prepares for the 2027 general election. The party's efforts to engage with women and other stakeholders are aimed at ensuring a strong showing in the election. The alleged importation of foreign nationals has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Kwara state.
The INEC has been urged to take decisive action to address the allegations and ensure a credible electoral process. The PDP's call for investigation and action against those involved in the alleged malpractice is a significant development in the run-up to the 2027 general election. The outcome of the election will depend on various factors, including the ability of INEC to ensure a free, fair, and credible process.
Key points
- The Kwara PDP has raised concerns over the alleged importation of foreign nationals into the state to influence the 2027 general election.
- The party has urged INEC to investigate the matter and ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the state.
- Women's involvement and participation are seen as crucial to the PDP's success in the upcoming election.
