The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the bye-election conducted for the Shanono/ Bagwai Constituency and the rerun election for Ghari Constituency in Kano State for alleged widespread violence and disruption.
Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the party through a statement released on Saturday on behalf of the party explained that the elections were marred by “extreme violence and disruption by armed thugs across several polling units” in the affected areas.
“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.