Tension flared during the local government elections in Niger State on Saturday as angry youths in Kontagora chased away Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kontagora, Mariga, Mashegu, and Wushishi Federal Constituency.
The incident occurred at the Tudun Wada Utia polling unit, where Garba, popularly known as Mai Sola, had reportedly remained after casting his vote to observe the voting process.
Eyewitnesses said the lawmaker’s presence sparked outrage among the voters, who accused him of overstaying his welcome. In a viral video obtained by SaharaReporters, the crowd was heard shouting: “You have refused to deliver justice to the people! Once you vote, leave the place!”
The youths insisted that Garba had no authority to monitor the exercise and demanded that he vacate the area immediately. Their chants and jeers eventually forced him to leave under tense circumstances.
Meanwhile, the election in parts of Kontagora was marred by violence. Two people were reportedly killed and three others injured during a clash in the Central Ward. Witnesses said the chaos erupted when a former Niger State Commissioner of Finance, Abdullahi Maikano, attempted to visit polling units outside his registration area to “observe” proceedings.
According to reports, the move angered some youths who confronted him and barred him from entering. The confrontation escalated, leading to stone-throwing and sporadic gunfire from police officers trying to restore order. The shooting reportedly led to the deaths and injuries, prompting the suspension of voting activities in the ward.
A separate incident was also reported in Agaei Local Government Area, where one person was said to have been shot.
Saturday’s violence followed growing political tension in the state after Niger Assembly member Aliyu Ahmed Sheshi was quoted earlier in the week saying ballot papers would not be distributed to polling units during the local council elections — a statement that drew public outrage and fears of electoral manipulation.
Elections were held across the 25 local government areas of Niger State on November 1, 2025, amid reports of low voter turnout and widespread irregularities.
