APC seeks cancellation of Kano by-elections over violence

The All Progressives Congress has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to cancel the bye-election for Shanono/ Bagwai Constituency and the rerun election for Ghari Constituency in Kano State over what it called widespread violence and disruption.

In a statement issued on Saturday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said the elections were marred by “extreme violence and disruption by armed thugs across several polling units” in the affected areas.

According to Morka, “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, making the prospects of a credible election impossible.”

He argued that allowing the exercise to continue would amount to endorsing electoral violence and undermining the integrity of the democratic process.

“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, and set a dangerous precedent for undesirable and unacceptable electoral heist,” he added.

The party, therefore, urged the electoral body to “immediately cancel” the bye-election and rerun “to protect the sanctity of the ballot” and safeguard the country’s democracy.