The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the by-election for the Shanono/Bagwai state constituency and the rerun for the Ghari constituency in Kano.
In a statement on Saturday, Felix Morka, APC national publicity secretary, said the elections were “marred by extreme violence and disruption caused by armed gangs at several polling units”.
Morka said reports from Shanono, Bagwai and Ghari showed that voters fled polling areas as security operatives struggled to contain the situation.
“Verifiable reports from the Shanono and Bagwai local government areas and the Ghari constituency show voters fleeing polling areas, with deployed security personnel overwhelmed by the violence, making the prospects of a credible election impossible,” the statement reads.
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“Proceeding with the Shanono/Bagwai Kano state constituency by-election and the Ghari rerun in an atmosphere of utter brigandage and outright violent voter intimidation will be against the democratic dictates of free, fair and peaceful elections and will set a dangerous precedent for an undesirable and unacceptable electoral heist.”
Earlier today, Audu Zango, Kano resident electoral commissioner (REC), said over 100 suspected political thugs arrested in the Bagwai by-election will face prosecution under electoral laws.
“More than 100 political thugs have been arrested, adding that the police have confirmed this, the process is continuing, and you have seen for yourself,” Zango said.
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