bloomshorts A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has rejected the outcome of the Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency by-election, describing it as a charade marred by violence, intimidation, and ballot hijacking.
Ata, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, at a media briefing in Kano on Sunday, accused the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of importing armed thugs from neighbouring states and countries to manipulate the exercise.
According to him, the parties had earlier signed a peace pact to ensure violence-free polls, but the NNPP allegedly flouted the agreement by unleashing hired thugs.
The minister further claimed that even the residence of the APC candidate came under attack. He accused the NNPP of escalating violence on election day despite repeated alerts to security agencies.
He therefore called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to nullify the poll and conduct a fresh one. The minister also appealed to APC supporters to remain calm.
INEC had on Sunday declared the NNPP candidate winner of the Bagwai/Shanono constituency by-election.
