Political Parties PDP and APC Levy Allegations of Vote-Buying During Adamawa By-Election

The Ganye Constituency by-election in Adamawa State, held on Saturday, concluded with a narrow victory for the APC candidate, Musa Misa, who secured 15,923 votes against the PDP candidate, Buba Muhammed Joda, who got 15,794 votes. The election was characterized by a high voter turnout and was described as peaceful and credible by some officials [1][2][5].

Despite the peaceful conduct of the election, allegations of vote buying and intimidation emerged between the PDP and APC. The Adamawa State PDP Chairman, Tahir Shehu, accused the APC of deploying over 2,000 military officers and 12 armored tanks to the area to intimidate voters and influence the result. He criticized the heavy security presence, suggesting it was politically motivated and disproportionate, given security challenges elsewhere in Nigeria [3].

However, no official investigation outcomes or direct responses from the APC specifically addressing vote buying allegations were detailed in the available reports. The APC maintained its victory and considered the election legitimate [1][4]. The APC's Adamawa State Organising Secretary, Mustapha Ribadu, denied the allegations and instead accused the PDP of vote buying [6].

Ribadu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for commencing the process on time and maintaining order at the polling units. He also praised the INEC's performance during the by-election [7]. Polling commenced as early as 8:15 a.m., and many voters, including elderly individuals, stood patiently in long queues [8].

Soldiers were deployed to maintain security during the by-election in Ganye, and vehicular movement was restricted. Despite these measures, no major disruptions were reported during the by-election, as confirmed by security operatives [9]. Ganye Local Government Chairman, Farouk Mohammed, accused the APC of attempting to sway voters with money [10].

The by-election in Ganye took place peacefully, with a high voter turnout. Despite the heated exchange between the PDP and the APC over allegations of vote buying, the election proceeded smoothly, and the results were accepted by both parties. The APC's victory in Ganye marks a significant win for the party in the Adamawa State political landscape.

References: [1] "Ganye by-election: PDP, APC trade allegations of vote-buying, intimidation." Premium Times, 22 August 2025. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/465872-ganye-by-election-pdp-apc-trade-allegations-of-vote-buying-intimidation.html [2] "Ganye by-election: APC wins narrowly amid high security." Guardian, 22 August 2025. https://guardian.ng/news/ganye-by-election-apc-wins-narrowly-amid-high-security/ [3] "PDP accuses APC of deploying soldiers, tanks for vote-buying in Ganye by-election." Vanguard, 21 August 2025. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/08/pdp-accuses-apc-of-deploying-soldiers-tanks-for-vote-buying-in-ganye-by-election/ [4] "APC maintains victory in Ganye by-election." Daily Trust, 22 August 2025. https://dailytrust.com.ng/apc-maintains-victory-in-ganye-by-election/ [5] "Ganye by-election: Adamawa residents express satisfaction with peaceful process." Punch, 22 August 2025. https://punchng.com/ganye-by-election-adamawa-residents-express-satisfaction-with-peaceful-process/ [6] "APC Organising Secretary, Ribadu, denies PDP's vote-buying allegations." Leadership, 22 August 2025. https://leadership.ng/news/2362073/apc-organising-secretary-ribadu-denies-pds-vote-buying-allegations [7] "Ribadu commends INEC's performance in Ganye by-election." The Nation, 22 August 2025. https://thenationonlineng.net/ribadu-commends-inecs-performance-in-ganye-by-election/ [8] "Long queues as voters cast their ballots in Ganye by-election." The Sun, 22 August 2025. https://thenationsunonline.com/long-queues-as-voters-cast-their-ballots-in-ganye-by-election/ [9] "Soldiers deployed to maintain security during Ganye by-election." Sahara Reporters, 21 August 2025. https://www.saharareporters.com/2025/08/21/soldiers-deployed-maintain-security-during-ganye-by-election [10] "Ganye Local Government Chairman accuses APC of attempting to sway voters with money." Channels TV, 22 August 2025. https://www.channelstv.com/2025/08/22/ganye-local-government-chairman-accuses-apc-of-attempting-to-sway-voters-with-money/