Zamfara APC Primary: Northwest Group Defends Naval Officer & Calls For Probe Of Election Violence

 

The Northwest APC Support Group has defended a serving Nigerian Naval officer over allegations arising from the violence that marred the All Progressives Congress (APC) Zamfara North Senatorial District primary election held on November 2, 2026.

 

The Group also called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the reported violence, including allegations that political thugs were mobilised to disrupt the exercise.

 

In a statement dated November 10, 2026, and signed by its Convener, Hon. Shi’itu Balarabe, the Group expressed concern over calls for the prosecution of the naval officer, insisting that allegations against security personnel must be established through credible investigations rather than political accusations.

The Group noted that the primary election was reportedly disrupted by suspected political thugs, resulting in violence, injuries and allegations of loss of life.

It maintained that security personnel deployed to the exercise had a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, maintain public order and prevent further escalation of violence.

According to the statement, personnel from various security agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and local security formations, were reportedly involved in maintaining order during the exercise.

Consequently, the Group questioned the rationale behind singling out one naval officer for condemnation without first establishing the respective roles and conduct of all security personnel deployed to the scene.

It cautioned against allowing political disagreements to undermine the reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces or expose serving officers to unsubstantiated allegations.

Balarabe stressed that security officers who discharge their responsibilities professionally and within the confines of the law deserve recognition, particularly where their intervention helps protect civilians and prevent further bloodshed.

The Group condemned the reported violence and called on relevant authorities to investigate allegations that political thugs were mobilised to disrupt the primary election. It urged investigators to identify not only those directly involved but also individuals who may have sponsored, financed or facilitated the violence.

While expressing sympathy with families affected by the disturbances, the Group demanded justice for anyone unlawfully killed or injured during the incident.

On the reported conflicting declarations following the election, the Group insisted that the dispute should be resolved through the appropriate APC party structures and established legal procedures, rather than intimidation, violence or the politicisation of security operations.

It also urged the military authorities to review the naval officer’s operational record and the circumstances surrounding his deployment, adding that appropriate commendation would be justified if investigations establish that he acted professionally and helped prevent further violence.

 

The Northwest APC Support Group reaffirmed its commitment to the professionalism, political neutrality and constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security institutions.

 

It called on political leaders, party supporters and members of the public to reject electoral violence, respect due process and refrain from making inflammatory statements capable of eroding public confidence in institutions entrusted with national security.