The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has rejected the results of the recently concluded by-election in the Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency, claiming the election never took place in any credible form.
Speaking to journalists in Kano on Sunday, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, who spoke on behalf of APC stakeholders in the state, described the entire process as a “sham,” marred by violence and voter intimidation.
Ata accused the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of mobilising armed thugs from neighbouring states and even from across national borders to disrupt the electoral process.
According to him, the violence began early on election day, with thugs storming Shanono and Bagwai Local Government Areas as early as 5:00 am, armed with dangerous weapons including firearms.
“These thugs, reportedly brought in from Kaduna, Katsina, and Kebbi States, created panic among residents. Many voters fled their communities and sought refuge in nearby Gwarzo and Bichi LGAs,” he said.
The APC alleged that its candidate was physically attacked at his home, and that the thugs hijacked election materials, including ballot papers and result sheets.
Ata said that the NNPP then proceeded to manipulate the vote, allocating scores to their candidate without the presence of voters.
He lamented that the people of Bagwai/Shanono, who had waited over a year for this by-election following the death of their representative, Hon. Halilu Ibrahim Kundila, were effectively disenfranchised and traumatised by the chaos.
Calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to nullify the results, Ata demanded a fresh, peaceful, and transparent election. He also urged security agencies to prosecute those involved in the violence and uphold justice.
“Democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness. What happened on election day was not an election, it was a tragedy,” Ata concluded.
