The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State has rejected the outcome of the Tsanyawa/Ghari state constituency re-run election, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulation and disenfranchisement.
State Chairman of the party, Hashimu Dungurawa, told journalists on Sunday in Kano that while the re-run was peacefully conducted in the 10 affected polling units, INEC cancelled the results and reverted to the earlier election outcome, which had been nullified by the Court of Appeal.
“In an ideal situation, results should be announced at the constituency collation centre, but in this case, INEC declared the outcome at its state headquarters in Kano. This provided room for manipulation, leading to the APC candidate being declared winner,” he alleged.
Dungurawa maintained that only presiding officers have the legal authority to cancel results, stressing that those who oversaw the affected polling units had signed and submitted their results at the designated collation centres. He described the development as an injustice that undermines the will of the people.
The chairman, however, commended INEC and security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the Shanono/Bagwai by-election, which he said reflected the true wishes of the electorate. He also praised NNPP members, supporters and stakeholders for turning out in large numbers to back the party.
“We salute the courage of our people who stood firm and voted for NNPP candidates. We will continue to defend democracy and protect the mandate of the people,” Dungurawa said.
