August 17, (THEWILL) — Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to cancel the Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency bye-election in Kano State, describing the exercise as a charade.
Speaking to journalists in Kano on Sunday, the minister urged INEC to conduct a fresh election that would be free, fair, and transparent.
“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately cancel this charade and fix a date for the conduct of a fresh, free, fair, and transparent election for the peace-loving people of Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency,” Ata said.
He alleged that armed thugs were mobilised within and outside Kano to disrupt the exercise, thereby disenfranchising voters.
According to him, the attackers stormed Bagwai and Shanono as early as 5 a.m. on election day, wielding dangerous weapons and chasing away residents from their homes and polling units.
Ata further claimed that the residence of the All Progressives Congress candidate in the constituency was attacked, noting that early reports and alerts to security agencies failed to prevent the violence.
He lamented that the electorate, who had awaited the by-election following the death of their representative, Hon. Halilu Ibrahim-Kundila, in April 2024, were denied the chance to exercise their franchise.
The minister also called on security agencies to prosecute those arrested in connection with the violence.
He urged APC supporters and residents of the constituency to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the sanctity of democracy must be preserved.
“The foundation of democracy is the right of the people to vote freely and safely for candidates of their choice. An election marred by violence is no election at all,” he added.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
