‘It was an edited video’ — Kebbi LG chairman denies call to attack opposition voters

The Chairman of Gwandu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Atiku Ahmad Mandiya, has refuted allegations that he called for the violent suppression of voters who do not support Governor Nasir Idris. A video that has gone viral on social media purportedly captured Mandiya instructing supporters to take action against those who oppose the governor.

However, Mandiya clarified that the clip had been edited and manipulated to convey a false representation of his statements. During an interview in Gwandu on Thursday, Mandiya explained that his remarks were made around 10 months ago at an event organized by local Fulani communities, during which he received an award for his efforts in promoting children's education in the region.

He stated that he had instructed the distribution of around 45 to 50 calendars featuring Governor Idris' photograph to various settlements within the area. The chairman emphasized that these calendars were intended for the governor and that any attempts to vandalize or destroy them should be met with consequences. Mandiya clarified that his directive pertained to preventing the destruction of these calendars, not to violence against opposition supporters.

He reiterated that his role as chairman and chief security officer was focused on maintaining peace within the local government. The chairman informed that the incident had been reported to relevant security agencies for further investigation. He urged the residents to remain peaceful leading up to the 2027 elections.