By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

The Northern Nigerian Election Monitoring Volunteers (NIMOV), Zamfara State chapter, has applauded political leaders, party stakeholders and residents of Maradun Local Government Area for what it described as a peaceful, orderly and mature conduct during the rescheduled State House of Assembly primary elections for Maradun I and II constituencies held on Sunday.

The election monitoring group said the atmosphere that characterised the exercise marked a significant shift from the tension, violence and political uncertainty that often accompany party primaries in several parts of the country.

In a statement issued shortly after monitoring the exercise across the affected constituencies, the Zamfara State Coordinator of NIMOV, Dr. Mu’azu Na’allah Moriki, commended party supporters and community leaders for demonstrating a high sense of political responsibility and democratic discipline throughout the process.

According to him, the peaceful conduct of the primaries reflected the growing political consciousness among the people and their collective resolve to safeguard democratic values in the state.

“We observed with satisfaction the level of maturity displayed by party supporters and stakeholders during the exercise. The conduct of the primaries was largely peaceful, transparent and orderly, which is a positive signal for democratic development in Zamfara State,” Moriki stated.

He noted that supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted themselves responsibly and showed loyalty to the party leadership, particularly the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, as well as the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal.

The group further disclosed that despite alleged attempts by some political actors to create tension and disrupt the process through acts capable of inciting violence and unrest, residents and party faithful across Maradun remained calm and law-abiding throughout the exercise.

“From all indications, the people were determined to ensure that democracy prevailed over provocation. Across the wards visited by our monitors, supporters came out in large numbers to identify with their preferred candidates in a peaceful and dignified manner,” the statement added.

NIMOV stressed that the successful conduct of the rescheduled primaries has further boosted public confidence in democratic participation and internal party democracy in Zamfara State.

The organisation also described the exercise as a model worthy of emulation by political actors and stakeholders across the country ahead of future electoral activities.

While congratulating the victorious candidates, the group urged them to embrace reconciliation and carry along those who contested against them in the interest of party unity, stability and effective representation.

“We congratulate all the winners and urge them to remain magnanimous in victory by extending hands of fellowship to their opponents. Political contests should strengthen unity rather than create division. Inclusive leadership and understanding are essential for the progress of the party and the state,” Moriki said.