The Executive Chairman of Gwandu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Atiku Ahmed Mandiya, has denied ordering supporters of Governor Nasir Idris to attack or kill opposition voters, describing a viral video making the allegation as doctored and misleading.
Mandiya made the clarification in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Thursday at his office in Gwandu, saying the video circulating on social media had been edited in a way that changed the meaning of his original remarks.
The chairman said he was shocked when he saw the version circulating online, particularly the claim that he had instructed people to “beat up or kill” anyone who went to a polling unit without supporting or voting for Governor Nasir Idris.
“To my greatest surprise, it was very paradoxical and perplexing when I heard it. The whole issue was framed. That is not what actually transpired,” Mandiya said.
Chairman Says Original Remarks Were About Political Calendars
According to Mandiya, the remarks were made about 10 months ago during an award ceremony organised by Fulani communities in Gwandu to recognise his efforts to promote Western education among Fulani children.
He said the community honoured him with the title “Janwuron Gwandu” in recognition of his involvement in ensuring that Fulani children were enrolled in primary and secondary schools.
Mandiya said he had also supported some of the children through scholarships, with some now studying at the School of Health while others had secured employment in the local government service.
During the event, he said the community presented between 45 and 50 calendars bearing the image of Governor Nasir Idris for distribution.
He explained that his comment at the event concerned the protection and distribution of the calendars, rather than an instruction to attack members or supporters of opposition parties.
“Where I said action should be taken was against anyone who intends to vandalise or destroy the calendars. The calendars were for Governor Nasir Idris,” he said.
‘I Have Never Made Such a Pronouncement’
Mandiya said the original recording showed that his comments had subsequently been cut and rearranged before the edited version appeared on social media.
“I have never made such a pronouncement or comment,” he said, referring to the allegation that he ordered opposition supporters to be beaten or killed at polling units.
He said he later obtained the original recording and shared it with people who had raised concerns about the viral version.
According to the chairman, the controversy subsided among some of those who had seen the full recording after he provided the original footage.
Gwandu Chairman: I Have No Reason to Promote Violence
Mandiya also rejected the suggestion that he would encourage violence during an election, arguing that such conduct would contradict his responsibilities as chairman and chief security officer of the local government.
“As a security officer of Gwandu Local Government who preaches peace, how can I now dislocate the relative peace we are enjoying? It is not possible,” he said.
He said his three decades in politics had taught him the consequences of political violence and that he would not deliberately encourage conduct capable of destabilising the local government.
The issue comes as political activity intensifies in Kebbi ahead of the 2027 elections. The Bureau Journal recently reported that Kebbi APC stakeholders endorsed Governor Nasir Idris for another term.
‘We Go to Polling Units to Vote, Not Fight’
Mandiya said his political role was to mobilise residents to support Governor Idris and other candidates of the ruling party through democratic participation.
“We go to polling units with our supporters to cast our votes, not to fight or cause trouble,” he said.
He argued that the ruling party had a responsibility to seek another mandate through the ballot rather than through intimidation or violence.
“We want people to still give us their mandate for a second term. How can we cause a fight that will destroy all the effort we have put in for so many years?” he asked.
The chairman’s position comes amid broader efforts by the Kebbi government and political parties to maintain security as political activities increase. The Bureau Journal previously reported that Governor Idris convened an emergency security meeting to review security concerns across the state.
Mandiya Reports Video to Security Agencies
The Gwandu chairman said he had reported the matter to security agencies and asked them to investigate how the alleged edited video was created and circulated.
“I have taken action by reporting this matter to security agencies to arrest whoever posted that video or invite the person to explain how the false video was generated,” he said.
He urged members of the public to be cautious about unverified political content circulating on social media, particularly as the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum.
The Bureau Journal has reported several political disputes in Kebbi in recent weeks, including the ongoing disagreement involving aggrieved ADC aspirants and the ADC Elders Council’s response to reports of a rift with the Malami campaign.
Chairman Appeals for Peace Ahead of Elections
Mandiya appealed to residents of Gwandu and Kebbi State to remain peaceful and law-abiding as political activities intensify.
He also urged opposition parties and their supporters to focus on issues rather than what he described as blackmail and misinformation.
“I am calling on the opposition and their supporters to stop using blackmail because blackmail does not win elections. It is by majority,” he said.
His comments come against the backdrop of growing political mobilisation in Kebbi, where the APC has already begun consolidating its structure ahead of 2027. Governor Idris has also been visiting traditional rulers across the state as part of his political engagements ahead of the next election. The Bureau Journal reported on his visit to the Emir of Gwandu and other traditional leaders.
Mandiya maintained that the viral video did not accurately represent his remarks and called on residents to disregard the version circulating online.
“We are advocates of peace and we want more peace in our dear state,” he said.
He said he remained confident that the matter would be resolved through the investigation by the relevant security agencies.
Get breaking news and latest updates directly on WhatsApp
