The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State has rejected the outcome of the Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency bye-election, citing alleged gross misconduct and widespread electoral violence across polling units.

Kano State Chairman of the party, Hon. Yusuf Ado Kibiya, raised the concerns on Saturday while briefing journalists in Kano.

He described the exercise as a “charade” marred by irregularities that undermined the integrity of the democratic process.

Kibiya alleged that political thugs were deployed to intimidate voters and candidates, thereby manipulating the outcome of the poll in favor of vested interests.

“We are alarmed by reports of intimidation, thuggery, and other actions that undermine the democratic process,” he said. “The use of violence or the threat of violence to influence voters or candidates is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Such conduct not only endangers lives but also erodes public trust in our democratic institutions.”

He noted that the death of the former lawmaker representing the constituency last year had already placed a heavy burden on the people, stressing that they deserved a transparent, peaceful, and credible electoral process.

Kibiya called on the Kano State Government and national leaders to avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of escalating tensions. He urged political stakeholders, particularly the APC, to embrace issue-based campaigns and reject violence, intimidation, and other anti-democratic practices.

The PDP further challenged law enforcement agencies to guarantee voters’ rights, protect peaceful assembly, and decisively curb intimidation, vote-buying, and electoral violence.