From Kano To Edo, Bye- Election Marred By Violence, Malfunctioning Of BVA Machine

By Ayodele Oni

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the bye-election for Shanono/Bagwai Constituency and the rerun election for Ghari Constituency in Kano State over what it called widespread violence and disruption

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said the elections were marred by “extreme violence and disruption by armed thugs across several polling units” in the affected areas.

According to Morka, “verifiable reports from Shanono and Bagwai Local Government Areas and Ghari constituency have voters fleeing polling areas, with deployed security personnel overwhelmed by the violence, making the prospects of a credible election impossible.”

He argued that allowing the exercise to continue would amount to endorsing electoral violence and undermining the integrity of the democratic process.

“Proceeding with the Shanono/Bagwai Kano State Constituency bye-election and Ghari rerun election in the atmosphere of utter brigandage and outright violent voter intimidation will be against democratic dictates of free, fair and peaceful election, and set a dangerous precedent for undesirable and unacceptable electoral heist.”

The party, therefore, urged the electoral body to “immediately cancel” the bye-election and rerun “to protect the sanctity of the ballot” and safeguard the country’s democracy.

Kano state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Audu Zago in another report, confirmed that over 100 suspected political thugs arrested at bye- election at Bagwai local government area of the state will be prosecuted in accordance with the rule and regulations guiding the election.

“More than 100 political thugs have been arrested. The police have confirmed this. The process is continuing and you have seen for yourself. Those political thugs arrested will be prosecuted,” he added.

He however, noted that the election was peaceful and commended the security personnel for providing adequate security of live and property. I am very impressed by the security arrangements here in Bagwsi town,” the REC said.

In Edo state, Governor Monday Okpebholo  expressed concerns over the slow performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the bye -election in Edo Central Senatorial District.

Okpebholo said this while casting his vote at Ward 2 Polling Unit 1 in Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government.

Speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote, Okpebholo said that although the exercise was peaceful, the BVAS machines deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were causing unnecessary delay