The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano State has clarified that the term “inconclusive elections” has no legal basis in Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abdu Zango, made the clarification on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the INEC state headquarters.
The meeting was part of preparations for the forthcoming bye-election and rerun in the Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa state constituencies scheduled for August 16.
Zango explained that, contrary to widespread usage in previous election cycles, the Electoral Act does not provide for or define inconclusive elections.
“There is no provision for inconclusive elections in the Electoral Act. INEC is guided strictly by the outcome of valid votes cast and recorded,” he said.
He emphasised the Commission’s commitment to credible and transparent elections, assuring that winners would be declared based solely on lawful and verifiable results.
Providing context on the two scheduled elections, Zango stated that the Bagwai/Shanono bye-election was prompted by the death of the serving lawmaker, while the rerun in Ghari/Tsanyawa would take place in 10 polling units, following a court directive.
He also confirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would be used to accredit voters and that election results would be promptly uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
The REC urged all political parties and stakeholders to cooperate with the Commission to ensure peaceful, free, and fair polls.
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