ADC to boycott Kano state constituency poll
The Kano State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced it will not participate in the forthcoming Shanono/Bagwai state constituency by-election scheduled for Saturday, August 16. Kano State ADC Chairman Musa Haruna Doguwa told Daily Trust that the decision was informed by the party’s previous experiences in rerun and by-elections, which he claimed […]
The Kano State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced it will not participate in the forthcoming Shanono/Bagwai state constituency by-election scheduled for Saturday, August 16.
Kano State ADC Chairman Musa Haruna Doguwa told Daily Trust that the decision was informed by the party’s previous experiences in rerun and by-elections, which he claimed were marred by violence, vote buying, and electoral malpractice.
“By-elections are characterised by violence and vote buying,” Doguwa alleged. “The ruling party would usually instruct its local government councils to mobilise funds and thugs to scare away voters.
“In 2019, over 9,000 thugs invaded Rogo Local Government Area and chased away voters. One big politician personally mobilised about 600 people to a ward with just 700 registered voters.
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“Party members in Bagwai are optimistic about winning if we contest, but we know election officials are usually bribed and compromise the process. I told them to be patient; we cannot contest in an election where the outcome is already known. The ADC is working to reset this country’s democracy come 2027.”
The Shanono/Bagwai seat became vacant following the death of APC lawmaker, Halilu Kundila, on April 7 last year. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the by-election for this Saturday.
Meanwhile, INEC will also conclude the supplementary election in Tsayawa/Kunchi state constituency, which was suspended on February 3, 2024, after violent vandalism and disruption of the process.
The Court of Appeal had earlier ordered a fresh election after voiding the victory of APC’s Garba Gwarmai, whose win was challenged by the NNPP candidate.