Charles Esther
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has expressed alarm over alleged irregularities during the rerun elections for the Ghari-Takai and Bagwai-Shanono constituencies.
The party’s state chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, claimed on Saturday that the elections were marred by unfair practices, including voter intimidation.
Allegations of Voter Intimidation
Abbas alleged that APC supporters were being forced out of their homes to allow opposition members to manipulate ballot papers.
He noted that thugs were present in many polling units, intimidating the remaining APC voters who refused to leave.
“By around 11 am, election materials had not arrived at most polling units in the affected local government areas,” Abbas said.
Call for Transparency from INEC
The APC chairman faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for insufficient transparency and urged the commission to address these issues to ensure the election truly reflects the people’s will.
“This is not an election,” he emphasised.
INEC Responds to Allegations
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano, Mr. Abdu Zango, stated that the commission had supplied all necessary election materials to the affected local government areas and polling units.
He acknowledged minor delays due to transportation challenges and thuggery but added that security agencies had intervened to mitigate these issues.
NNPP Highlights Peaceful Conduct
Meanwhile, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chairman, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, said party supporters had conducted themselves peacefully during the by-election.
He clarified that no NNPP supporters carried weapons at any polling units, emphasizing their commitment to lawful civic participation.
“We are law-abiding party members ready to exercise our civil responsibility,” Dungurawa stated.
