Bagwai

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the ongoing bye-election in Shanono/Bagwai State Constituency and the rerun election in Ghari Constituency, alleging widespread violence and disruption of the electoral process. This was contained in a press statement signed by Felix Morka, CON, the party’s National Publicity Secretary. According to the APC, armed thugs stormed several polling units across Shanono, Bagwai, and Ghari constituencies, unleashing violence that forced voters to flee and overwhelmed security personnel deployed to maintain order. Read Also: Abba Ganduje Distributes Over 1,000 Solar Lights to 38 Wards in Kano “Verifiable reports from Shanono and Bagwai Local Government Areas and Ghari Constituency have voters fleeing polling areas, with deployed security personnel overwhelmed by the violence,” the statement read, stressing that the prevailing situation made it impossible to conduct a credible election. The party warned that continuing with the exercise under such conditions would undermine democratic principles and legitimize malpractice. “Proceeding with the Shanono/Bagwai Kano State Constituency bye-election and Ghari rerun election in the atmosphere of utter brigandage and outright violent voter intimidation will be against democratic dictates of free, fair and peaceful election,” Morka stated. The APC further argued that allowing the elections to continue would set a “dangerous precedent for undesirable and unacceptable electoral heist,” urging INEC to act urgently in the interest of electoral integrity and public safety. As of press time, INEC had not issued a formal response to the APC’s demand. The situation remains tense in the affected constituencies, with observers and civil society groups closely monitoring developments.