The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has raised alarm over alleged irregularities in the rerun elections for Ghari-Takai and Bagwai-Shanono constituencies.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, the state party chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, claimed the polls were marred by voter intimidation and lack of transparency.
According to him, APC supporters were allegedly chased from their homes to allow opposition parties to thumbprint ballot papers without hindrance.
“Thugs were seen in most polling units intimidating the remaining APC supporters who refused to leave,” Abbas alleged.
“By around 11 a.m., election materials were yet to arrive at most polling units in the affected local government areas. This is not an election.”
He criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for alleged lapses in the process, urging the commission to take immediate action to ensure the exercise reflected the will of the people.
Reacting, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kano State, Ambassador Abdu Zango, dismissed the allegations, insisting that INEC had provided all necessary electoral materials for the polls.
He acknowledged that while some delays were experienced due to transportation challenges and disruptions by political thugs, security agencies had stepped in to restore order.
“All polling units in the affected local government areas were supplied with electoral materials,” Zango said.
Meanwhile, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has commended its supporters for what it described as peaceful participation in the exercise.
The party’s state chairman, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, said NNPP members had conducted themselves responsibly throughout the process.
“Our supporters have not carried any form of weapon in any of the polling units. We are law-abiding party members, ready to exercise our civil responsibility,” Dungurawa stated.
The rerun elections in Kano attracted heavy security presence following widespread tension and allegations of political thuggery.
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