Introduction: NNPP Fires Back at APC Over By-Election Controversy
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has openly challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s demand to cancel recent by-elections in Kano State.
NNPP dismissed the call as “frivolous and unfounded,” sharply criticizing the APC’s allegations of widespread violence during Saturday’s polls.
The controversy centers on the Shanono/Bagwai State Constituency by-election and the Ghari constituency rerun.
The APC had publicly urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to annul these elections, citing “extreme violence” and disruptions that allegedly marred the process.
Arrests Confirmed But Election Credibility Defended
According to Kano’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Audu Zango, police arrested more than 100 suspected political thugs connected with disturbances during the Bagwai poll.
This admission lent some credence to the APC’s concern about electoral violence.
However, despite these incidents, NNPP denied that the disruptions warranted outright cancellation.
In a Saturday statement, Ladipo Johnson, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, firmly rejected the APC’s narrative, claiming the elections were conducted peacefully and credibl
NNPP Calls APC’s Demand “Frivolous” and Unfounded
Johnson stated, “The APC’s request is frivolous and bereft of facts and reality.
The by-elections were free, fair, credible, and peaceful.
Given Kano’s status as an NNPP stronghold, it is unimaginable that the results could have been otherwise.”
The NNPP’s argument rests heavily on Kano’s political landscape, where they maintain significant voter loyalty and history of electoral success.
For this reason, they contend the APC’s claims are politically motivated maneuvering meant to delegitimize genuine outcomes.
INEC Officials Validate Election Results
The elections were reportedly overseen and validated by INEC officials on the ground.
Johnson emphasized that these officials affirmed the credibility of the polling process and the legitimacy of the NNPP candidates’ victories.
“INEC and security agencies ensured a credible voting exercise,” he added, applauding voters’ resilience amid attempts at disruption.
According to NNPP, the public’s steadfast participation underscores the election’s authenticity.
APC’s Allegations Viewed as Politically Motivated
This dispute highlights deeper tensions between Nigeria’s leading political parties, with the APC and NNPP trading accusations surrounding election conduct.
Critics argue that APC’s demand for cancellation follows a familiar playbook where opposition parties contest unfavorable results by citing violence or irregularities.
NNPP’s rejection of these claims is framed as a defense of electoral integrity against what they term cynical political sabotage.
Violence and Electoral Integrity: A Complex Reality
Though over 100 suspected thugs were arrested, insiders suggest that political violence is a persistent challenge in Kano’s elections, transcending party lines.
Both sides accuse each other of complicity in fomenting unrest.
This bitter divide adds complexity to efforts in addressing election violence and restoring public confidence in Kano and beyond.
What Does This Mean for Kano’s Democracy?
The back-and-forth exposes how fragile electoral peace remains in key Nigerian states.
Kano, as a political hotspot, demonstrates the persistent risk that violence and partisanship pose to democratic processes.
The calls for cancellation and counterclaims of “peaceful polls” reveal how political narratives shape public perception of legitimacy.
Ultimately, the controversy risks eroding trust in INEC and the wider electoral system unless impartial investigations provide transparent clarity.
Accountability and Security Reforms Urgently Needed
This incident reaffirms how necessary it is for Nigeria to strengthen security arrangements and election monitoring mechanisms.
Both political parties and government agencies must commit to reducing violence and ensuring that election-day disturbances do not escalate into full-scale crises.
Addressing root causes of electoral violence requires systemic reforms, including tougher penalties for perpetrators and improved law enforcement responsiveness.
A Contentious Electoral Landscape in Kano
Each party claims to defend democracy yet accuses the other of sabotaging the process.
Such polarization threatens to undermine electoral justice, instead fomenting distrust and bitterness among voters.
Without transparent inquiry and decisive action, these violent election episodes will continue to threaten Kano’s political stability and Nigeria’s democracy at large.
