Kano By-Elections: APC, PDP Call for Cancellation Over Violence and Irregularities
APC and PDP Demand Cancellation of Kano By-Elections Over Violence
The political tension in Kano State has intensified as both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have separately demanded the cancellation of the ongoing by-elections. The elections, held in Shanono/Bagwai constituency and Ghari constituency, have been marred by reports of widespread violence, voter intimidation, and disruptions.
The APC was the first to raise alarm, alleging that the elections could not be deemed credible due to what it described as “widespread extreme violence” across polling units. Party leaders claimed that armed thugs stormed several voting centers, scattering voters, destroying electoral materials, and creating an environment unfit for a fair contest. According to APC officials, these violent disruptions forced voters to abandon polling stations in fear, thereby undermining the credibility of the process.In a strongly worded statement, the APC argued that security operatives were overwhelmed by the scale of the violence and unable to guarantee the safety of voters and electoral officers. The party insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had a duty to cancel the polls immediately to prevent a miscarriage of justice.
Surprisingly, the PDP, usually a fierce opponent of the APC, has aligned with the call for cancellation. PDP leaders alleged that the elections were not just chaotic but also manipulated, accusing unidentified groups of attempting to skew results through intimidation and ballot tampering. They further criticized the violence that erupted during the voting exercise, describing it as evidence that the elections were conducted under duress and could not reflect the will of the people.
Observers have noted that it is unusual for both major political parties to agree on a single stance regarding electoral outcomes, underscoring the depth of the crisis surrounding the Kano by-elections. Analysts believe the bipartisan demand for cancellation is a sign of the seriousness of the irregularities and the potential threat to public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
INEC, meanwhile, has yet to make an official pronouncement on the matter. The commission is expected to review reports from its officials on the ground as well as security agencies before deciding whether to uphold or annul the elections. For now, uncertainty hangs over the future of the seats at stake.
Civil society organizations monitoring the elections have also expressed concern. Many have urged INEC to prioritize the credibility of the process over speed, warning that endorsing flawed elections could further erode trust in Nigeria’s electoral system. Some groups have called for a comprehensive investigation into the violence, demanding accountability for those responsible for disrupting the polls.
For Kano State, this latest controversy adds to an already tense political climate. The state has long been a flashpoint for electoral disputes, and the violence reported during the by-elections has reignited debates about electoral reforms, security preparedness, and the independence of institutions tasked with safeguarding democracy.
As both APC and PDP stand united in their calls for cancellation, the ball is now in INEC’s court. The commission’s decision will not only shape the immediate outcome of the Kano by-elections but may also set a precedent for how future elections marred by violence are handled in Nigeria.
