Zamfara Stakeholders Push for Enhanced Election Security

Stakeholders in Zamfara State have called for stronger security measures in anticipation of the 2027 elections, identifying significant threats including banditry, kidnapping, political violence, and inadequate security deployment. This demand arose during a two-day citizens’ engagement on election security, facilitated by the CLEEN Foundation with support from the Open Society Foundation.

Participants included 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. Specific areas such as Tsafe, Zurmi, Maru, Anka, Bukkuyum, Shinkafi, and Birnin Magaji were highlighted as needing focused security planning.

Additional threats included election-related violence, political thuggery, voter intimidation, and misinformation. The stakeholders emphasized the need for timely deployment of security personnel, coordinated actions against armed groups, and measures to protect vulnerable populations.

Their demands were documented in an Election Security Risk Assessment and Citizens’ Charter of Demand for implementation by relevant authorities.