The All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded the immediate cancellation of the bye-election for Shanono/Bagwai State Constituency and the rerun election for Ghari Constituency in Kano State, citing widespread violence and electoral disruptions on August 16, 2025. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the party alleged that armed thugs invaded polling units across Shanono, Bagwai, and Ghari, forcing voters to flee and overwhelming security personnel, rendering a credible election impossible. Morka stated, “Proceeding with these elections in this atmosphere of brigandage and voter intimidation contradicts democratic principles,” urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act swiftly to preserve electoral integrity.
The Nigeria Police confirmed the arrest of 288 suspected thugs carrying dangerous weapons during the elections, with Commissioner Ibrahim Bakori noting their intent to disrupt the process, as reported by Channels Television. Verifiable reports from the affected areas described voters abandoning polling stations due to extreme violence, with security forces unable to contain the chaos. INEC has not issued an official response to the APC’s demand as of August 16, 2025, but the situation remains tense, with observers monitoring for further developments.
