The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi-Ata, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to nullify the Bagwai/Shanono State Assembly by-election, citing widespread electoral malpractice and violence.
Abdullahi-Ata made this known on Sunday in Kano while addressing journalists on the outcome of the poll conducted on Saturday.
He alleged that heavily armed political thugs, recruited from both within and outside the state, were mobilised to disrupt the voting process, thereby denying citizens their constitutional right to participate.
According to the minister, the hoodlums stormed Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas as early as 5 a.m. on election day. He said they brandished dangerous weapons, harassed residents, and forced many voters away from polling units.
He further claimed that the residence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the constituency was also attacked. Despite early reports and distress calls sent to security operatives, the violence was not curtailed, Abdullahi-Ata alleged.
The minister noted that the people of Bagwai/Shanono, who had patiently awaited the by-election since the passing of their former representative, Hon. Halilu Ibrahim-Kundila, in April 2024, were robbed of the chance to cast their votes.
He appealed to INEC to reschedule the election, insisting that a “free, fair, and transparent” exercise was the only way to restore confidence in the process. “We equally call on security agencies to prosecute everyone arrested in connection with the disruption,” he added.
Abdullahi-Ata also urged APC members and residents of the constituency to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while assuring them that democratic principles must be upheld.
“The very essence of democracy is the right of citizens to vote freely and safely for the candidates of their choice. Any election tainted by violence and intimidation cannot be considered credible,” he stressed.
Chronicles Reporters
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