The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the cancellation of the recent bye-election for the Shanono/Bagwai Constituency and the rerun election for the Ghari Constituency in Kano State, citing severe violence and widespread disruptions.
In a statement released on Saturday, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC condemned the violence, stating that armed thugs had taken over several polling units in the affected areas. According to Morka, credible reports from Shanono, Bagwai, and Ghari Local Government Areas revealed that voters were fleeing polling stations due to violent intimidation, while security personnel appeared overwhelmed by the chaos. The violence, the party argued, had made the possibility of conducting a credible election impossible.
The APC further argued that continuing with the election in such conditions would endorse electoral violence, undermining the integrity of the democratic process. Morka stated, “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 elections, and set a dangerous precedent for undesirable and unacceptable electoral heist.”
In light of these developments, the APC has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately cancel both elections. The party stressed that such a step is crucial to protect the sanctity of the ballot and preserve the nation’s democracy.
The call comes after reports of widespread unrest during the elections, with multiple incidents of violence and intimidation recorded. This has sparked concern over the future of peaceful elections in the region. The APC’s demand for a swift cancellation underscores the party’s commitment to ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process in Nigeria.
