APC rejects Kano by-election, demands immediate cancellation over chaos

DDM News

(DDM) – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the bye-election in Shanono/Bagwai constituency and the rerun election in Ghari constituency, Kano State.

DDM gathered that the APC made the demand through a statement issued on Saturday by its publicity secretary, Felix Morka.

The party alleged that the electoral process had been marred by widespread violence, disruptions, and intimidation orchestrated by armed thugs across several polling units.

According to the APC, reports from Shanono, Bagwai, and Ghari constituencies revealed that voters were forced to flee polling areas as security personnel deployed to the units were overwhelmed by violent attacks.

The party argued that under such circumstances, the credibility of the election could not be guaranteed.

“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,” the statement declared.

The APC further warned that allowing the exercise to stand would set what it described as a dangerous precedent for future elections in Nigeria.

The party insisted that INEC must act swiftly to cancel the elections in order to preserve the integrity of the democratic process.

It also emphasized that free, fair, and peaceful elections remain the cornerstone of democracy and must not be sacrificed to electoral malpractice.

In Kano, observers reported that the affected constituencies have long been flashpoints of electoral tension, with recurring incidents of thuggery during past elections.

The rerun elections had been ordered following disputes from the 2023 general and supplementary polls, which were nullified in several polling units.

The Shanono/Bagwai constituency bye-election and the Ghari rerun together involved thousands of registered voters across multiple wards.

However, the APC maintained that the environment was not conducive for any form of credible voting or collation.

Party officials noted that democracy could not thrive in an atmosphere where citizens were forced to choose between exercising their franchise and preserving their lives.

They described the alleged violence as a direct attack on Nigeria’s electoral system and the constitutional rights of the people.

Morka stressed that the APC was committed to protecting the sanctity of elections across the country and would not remain silent in the face of “blatant violations.”

He called on security agencies to immediately restore order in the affected constituencies and ensure that perpetrators of electoral violence are brought to justice.

The APC also urged INEC to prioritize the safety of voters and election officials, while taking urgent steps to demonstrate its impartiality in managing the electoral process.

As of press time, INEC had yet to issue a formal response to the APC’s demand for cancellation of the elections.

🚨 Follow DDM WhatsApp channel Now!

Get breaking news, hot gist, and updates FIRST!

*📲 Click to join 👇* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vajkwdc4dTnFHl19vW3g

*Apply at the link below and Start Your Tech Journey:*

👇🏽

https://www.ddm.media/cohort-6

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook