The Chairman of Gwandu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Atiku Ahmad Mandiya, has denied calling for the beating or killing of people who do not support Governor Nasir Idris, saying a viral video circulating on social media was edited to distort his remarks.
The reaction followed the emergence of a video in which Mandiya was allegedly heard telling supporters that anyone who spoke against Governor Idris should be “dealt with,” while also urging them to protect the ruling party’s interests at polling units.
However, speaking in Gwandu on Thursday, Mandiya said the video had been edited and circulated with a different narrative from what he originally said.
He explained that the remarks were made about 10 months ago at an event organised by Fulani communities in Gwandu, where he received an award for supporting the education of children in the area.
According to him, the original discussion involved about 45 to 50 calendars bearing Governor Idris’ photograph that were given to him for distribution to Fulani settlements.
Mandiya said he directed that the calendars be distributed among the settlements and that action should be taken against anyone who attempted to vandalise or destroy the calendars.
“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.
He said the video was later edited and circulated in a manner that suggested he had called for violence against opposition supporters.
Mandiya insisted that he had never called for violence, saying his role as chairman and chief security officer of the local government was to promote peace.
The chairman said the matter had been reported to security agencies for investigation and urged residents to remain peaceful ahead of the 2027 elections.
