The All Progressives Congress in Kano State has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the rerun elections for Ghari/Takai and Bagwai/Shanono federal constituencies.
Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the state APC Chairman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the elections were not free and fair, citing voter intimidation as a major concern.
“Our supporters were being chased from their homes to enable the opposition to thumb-print ballot papers,” Abbas said, adding that thugs were present in most polling units, intimidating remaining APC voters.
He further stated that by around 11 a.m., election materials had yet to arrive at several polling units in the affected local government areas.
“This is not an election,” Abbas emphasised, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission to address the lapses and ensure that the outcome reflects the will of the people.
In response, Mr. Abdu Zango, Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, said INEC had provided all necessary materials for the elections across the affected areas and polling units. He acknowledged minor delays due to transportation challenges and thuggery, which security agencies quickly mitigated.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, confirmed that his party’s supporters conducted themselves peacefully, without carrying weapons, across all designated polling units.
“We are law-abiding party members ready to exercise our civil responsibility,” he said.