Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi-Ata, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to nullify the Bagwai/Shanono State Assembly by-election, alleging that the process was marred by violence and irregularities.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday in Kano, Abdullahi-Ata claimed that armed thugs were mobilised from within and outside the state to disrupt the exercise, effectively disenfranchising voters.
He alleged that the attackers stormed Bagwai and Shanono local government areas as early as 5 a.m. on election day, wielding dangerous weapons and forcing residents to flee their homes and polling units. The minister further said the residence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the constituency was also attacked.
According to him, despite early reports and alerts sent to security agencies, the violence went unchecked, leaving the electorate unable to cast their votes in the election held to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Hon. Halilu Ibrahim-Kundila in April 2024.
Abdullahi-Ata urged INEC to reschedule the by-election, insisting it must be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. He also called on security agencies to prosecute those arrested in connection with the violence.
While appealing for calm among APC supporters and constituents, he stressed that democracy must not be undermined.
“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,” the minister said
