The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the just-concluded bye-election in Shanono/Bagwai constituency and the rerun in Ghari constituency of Kano State, alleging widespread violence and electoral malpractice.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party claimed that armed thugs unleashed mayhem across several polling units, forcing voters to flee and overwhelming security operatives deployed for the exercise.
The APC maintained that the credibility of the election was compromised, adding that proceeding with the results under such conditions would set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
“Reports from Shanono and Bagwai Local Government Areas, as well as Ghari constituency, confirm that the election was marred by extreme violence, intimidation of voters, and outright disruption of the process,” Morka said.
He added: “Conducting elections in an atmosphere of brigandage negates the principles of free, fair, and credible polls. To allow such to stand is to endorse electoral banditry and disenfranchisement.”
The development comes barely hours after the Kano State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 288 suspected thugs allegedly involved in violence during the by-election.
INEC is yet to respond to the APC’s demand as tension continues to mount in Kano over the fate of the disputed elections.
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