The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally demanded the immediate arrest of the state's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Women Leader, Hajiya Rabi Madawaki, over alleged threats against voters ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

In a statement issued on Monday by APC Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party accused Madawaki of making threatening remarks during a public event attended by the Governor's wife, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, in Gusau on Friday, May 16, 2025.

According to the statement, Madawaki allegedly declared in Hausa that "anyone who does not vote for Dauda, we will be maimed, beaten and killed (zamu ci ubanshi, zamu yi mashi duka)," reportedly repeating the phrase multiple times for emphasis.

The APC condemned these remarks, emphasizing that elections should be conducted in a free, fair, and non-violent manner in any civilized society. Gusau noted that democratic processes should involve appealing to voters through promises and policies rather than threats and intimidation.

"But threats to life and intimidation? No. These are the exact things Nigerians are trying to remove from the political scene," the statement read, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to promote peaceful and democratic elections nationwide.

The opposition party further alleged that if a "mere PDP Women Leader" could make such public threats, there might be larger plans by Governor Lawal and his associates against Zamfara voters who oppose them.

The APC has called on security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to immediately arrest Madawaki, stressing that she does not enjoy any immunity and should be treated as any ordinary citizen under the law.

"We also want to remind security operatives of past incidents involving gun-wielding PDP thugs, some of whom were arrested. This latest declaration should form part of the evidence against any violence that may arise," the statement continued.

The statement also revisited long-standing accusations against Governor Dauda Lawal's administration, alleging support for banditry and neglect of attack victims in the state. The APC claimed that the 2023 governorship election was influenced by military officers, which they believe unfairly favored the PDP.

The party emphasized its position as a strong opposition in Zamfara State, asserting that it would not be intimidated by threats and remains committed to ensuring that the will of the people prevails in future elections.

As of press time, neither the PDP nor Hajiya Rabi Madawaki had responded to the allegations.