Three days after the conduct of the Bagwai/Shanono state constituency bye-election in Kano, accredited observers have alleged widespread manipulation and malpractice in the election.
Besides, the observers also raised alleged cases of violence, intimidation and irregularities orchestrated by political thugs at Bagwai and Shanono local government areas.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, convener of the Centre for Strategic Conflict, Professor Muhammad Dauda Mukhtar, said the process of the by-election for the Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency was marred by “a well-scripted and planned line of activities” that undermined the credibility of the polls.
According to him, large numbers of suspicious individuals were seen entering Shanono on the eve of the election, with armed men, many in red headgears, moving around openly with dangerous weapons while chanting derogatory campaign slogans despite the INEC restriction on campaigns 24 hours before voting.
“On election day, armed thugs chased APC supporters from their homes and polling units to allow opposition parties to manipulate ballot papers. The thugs intimidated voters with dangerous weapons, forcing many to flee. Security agents were visibly overstretched and overwhelmed by the violence,” he noted.
The observer also reported that election materials arrived late at many polling units, disrupting the process. At the same time, hundreds of armed thugs were arrested with weapons, including locally made guns, cutlasses, knives, sticks, and catapults.
The observer group said major political parties, including the ADC, APC, and PDP, condemned the violence and intimidation, and demanded investigations and cancellation of the results.
A report specifically mentioned Faruruwa Ward, the largest ward in Shanono, stating that no voting took place. “Voters were chased away by armed thugs. The worst level of intimidation occurred there, and videos of the perpetrators are circulating online,” he added.
While acknowledging that INEC officials provided materials and made some efforts at security arrangements, the group insisted that the process was fatally compromised.
“There were no elections in Shanono on August 16, 2025. What happened was a charade and shenanigans. The democratic process was undermined, and voters were denied their right to freely choose a representative to replace the late Hon. Halilu Ibrahim Kundila,” he said.
The group recommended political party sensitisation for members on democratic conduct, stricter enforcement of electoral rules, and stiff penalties for sponsors and perpetrators of electoral violence.
“The people of Bagwai/Shanono deserved a credible election, but what they got was a rape of democracy,” he concluded.
