Charles Esther
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Atta, have claimed that residents of Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas were forcibly displaced during Saturday’s rerun elections by heavily armed thugs allegedly hired by the NNPP.
The minister urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the election and declare the rerun in Bagwai/Shanono null and void due to widespread violence.
Peace Pact Breached
Speaking for APC stakeholders in Kano, Atta reminded that political parties had signed a peace pact to ensure violence-free elections, agreeing not to mobilize thugs.
He noted that APC’s rally on Wednesday, August 13, led by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I Jibrin, was conducted peacefully despite large crowds from Shanono, Bagwai, Ghari, and Tsanyawa.
NNPP Allegedly Deploys Armed Thugs
Atta alleged that on election day, NNPP hired armed thugs from neighboring states including Brinin Gwari in Kaduna, Kebbi, and Katsina, infiltrating wards in Bagwai/Shanono to attack opposition supporters.
He said APC candidates and residents were displaced, with voters fleeing to neighboring villages in Gwarzo and Bichi for safety.
Hijacking of Ballot Materials
The minister further claimed that NNPP took over polling units, seized ballot papers and results sheets, and allocated votes unlawfully, resulting in no credible election taking place in the constituencies.
Residents, who had awaited the election since the death of Hon Halilu Ibrahim Kundila in April last year, were disenfranchised and traumatized.
Call for Calm and Justice
Atta appealed to constituents and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, urging security agencies to prosecute the armed thugs involved.
He emphasized that the foundation of democracy is the right to vote freely and safely, stressing that elections marred by threats and violence cannot be considered legitimate.
