The reported violence during the November 2, 2026, APC senatorial rerun primary in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara North, raises serious questions about political intolerance, internal democracy and the safety of party members.
However, while reports confirm attacks at two polling centres, panic among voters, an attack on the local government chairman’s vehicle and at least one person seriously injured.
When Political Ambition Becomes a Threat to Democracy: Who Benefits from Turning a Party Primary into a Theatre of Violence?
The political atmosphere in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, was reportedly thrown into confusion on Monday, November 2, 2026, as violence disrupted the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial rerun primary election for Zamfara North Senatorial District.
What should ordinarily have been an opportunity for party members to exercise their democratic rights and determine their preferred candidate reportedly degenerated into an atmosphere of fear, panic and confrontation, forcing voters and residents to flee for their safety.
Reports indicate that suspected political thugs loyal to Senator Abdulaziz Yari conveyed in about 30 trucks invaded two polling centres, namely Namoda Model Primary School and the Galadima Dangaladima Ward polling unit in front of the Emir’s Palace, disrupting activities and sending innocent citizens running for cover.
The situation reportedly became more alarming when a confrontation among the political thugs left at least one person seriously injured. There were also reports of an attack on the vehicle of the Kaura Namoda Local Government Chairman, Hon. Mannir Muhammad Haidara, who narrowly escaped an attempted lynching.
These incidents are deeply disturbing, particularly in a state that has continued to grapple with the devastating consequences of insecurity, banditry, displacement and the destruction of livelihoods.
IS POLITICAL POWER NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN HUMAN LIFE?
The most disturbing aspect of the unfolding political crisis is the apparent willingness of some individuals to resort to violence in pursuit of political advantage.
An election primary is not a battlefield. It is not a contest in which the strongest gangs, the most aggressive supporters or those capable of intimidating opponents should determine the outcome.
It is a democratic process in which eligible party members must be allowed to freely express their preferences without intimidation, threats or physical attacks.
The reported incidents in Kaura Namoda therefore demand a thorough investigation.
Those responsible must be held accountable, regardless of their political affiliations, connections or positions within the party.
No political leader should enjoy immunity for the criminal actions of supporters acting in their name.
THE YARI FACTOR AND THE GROWING POLITICAL DIVISION
The Zamfara North senatorial contest has become a significant point of political disagreement within the APC.
The contest involves the incumbent Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura, and Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, who is associated with the camp of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari.
The rivalry has generated considerable tension among party stakeholders.
However, political differences between influential leaders should never become a justification for violence against ordinary party members.
Senator Abdul’aziz Yari occupies an influential position in the APC and currently serves as Director-General of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council. That position carries political responsibilities, including the responsibility to encourage peaceful political participation and respect for democratic procedures. Instead, Senator Yari folded his hands to watch his boys brandishing and astonishingly attacking innocent voters who turned out to discharge their civic rights and legitimate duties.
TINUBU AGAIN: A SUPPORTER SHOULD NOT BECOME A VICTIM OF POLITICAL INTOLERANCE
One particularly disturbing dimension of the reported violence concerns the injury sustained by a supporter associated with the Tinubu Again political mobilisation.
It is unfortunate that individuals who participate in political mobilisation, demonstrate support for the President or exercise their party membership rights could find themselves exposed to physical danger.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political supporters, like supporters of every other political leader, have a constitutional right to participate in peaceful political activities.
Nobody should be attacked simply because of the political slogan they chant, the candidate they support or the political organisation with which they identify.
The APC cannot credibly promote national political unity while its members are exposed to intimidation and violence during internal electoral exercises.
The party must demonstrate that its commitment to democratic participation applies equally to supporters of every aspirant.
ZAMFARA CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER CYCLE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE
Perhaps the most painful dimension of this development is its timing.
Zamfara State has suffered enormously from insecurity. Thousands of families have experienced displacement, economic hardship and the destruction of their communities.
Farmers have abandoned their farmlands, businesses have suffered, and many communities continue to struggle with the consequences of banditry.
Against this background, political violence is the last thing the state needs.
The people of Zamfara deserve political leaders who can resolve disagreements through dialogue, negotiation, persuasion and lawful democratic processes.
They do not need political confrontations that add to their existing burdens.
It is particularly disappointing when political disagreements among influential individuals threaten the safety of ordinary citizens who have no personal stake in the rivalry beyond their legitimate political preferences.
WHERE ARE THE APC NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND SECURITY AGENCIES?
The APC national leadership must not treat the reported incidents as an ordinary disagreement among party supporters.
The party should immediately establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks, identify those responsible and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken against any member found to have participated in violence.
The police and other relevant security agencies must also investigate the reported attacks, including the incident involving the Kaura Namoda Local Government Chairman’s vehicle.
Those injured deserve adequate medical attention, while anyone whose property was damaged deserves appropriate legal protection.
Furthermore, the party must guarantee that any subsequent electoral exercise is conducted in an atmosphere of peace, fairness, transparency and equal opportunity.
THE BIGGER QUESTION: WHAT KIND OF POLITICAL CULTURE ARE WE BUILDING?
The unfolding events in Kaura Namoda should serve as a warning to all political actors in Zamfara State.
Political loyalty must never be confused with personal ownership of a political party.
No individual, regardless of political influence, financial strength or position, has the right to determine who participates in an election through intimidation.
Similarly, no aspirant should believe that political victory justifies the use of violence against opponents.
The APC belongs to its members, not to any individual or political camp.
The right to contest, campaign, mobilise supporters and vote must be protected without discrimination.
Zamfara needs political reconciliation, not political vendettas; constructive engagement, not intimidation; and democratic competition, not violence.
CONCLUSION: DEMOCRACY MUST NOT BE BURIED BY POLITICAL AMBITION
The tears, injuries, fear and confusion reportedly experienced in Kaura Namoda should trouble every genuine democrat.
No senatorial ticket is worth the blood of an innocent citizen. No political ambition is important enough to justify the destruction of human lives or the intimidation of fellow party members.
SENATOR YARI DUAL POLITICAL LOYALTY.
Many political observers sees Senator Abdul Aziz Yari thugs mobilization motive as an indication of his long accusations for underground working for ADC in which many of his supporters has now tilted their loyalty to ADC National leadership.