INEC Cancels Kano Assembly Bye-election over Violence

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cancelled the bye-election of Minjibir local government house of Assembly member in Kano state over violence.

Addressing reporters on yesterday in Minjibir town, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Abdullahi Mohammed Kaugama, said the cancellation was due to ballot boxes snatching and of other election materials.

He said the commission found it necessary to take the decision following a violence crisis that characterised the election in the town.

Kaugama, who is the electoral commissioner of Kaduna State and posted to Kano to conduct the bye election, said the commission took the decision in order to avoid further spread of violence in the area. He said a new date for the election would be announced later.

It was also observed that hours after the commencement of the election, some persons suspected to be political thugs stormed the area with dangerous weapons and attacked several people.
THISDAY learnt that some government officials who were in area to monitor the election as well as journalists had to run for their dear lives. A numbers of vehicles were also burnt while others were damaged as a result of the violence.

The Police spokesman in Kano, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Magaji Musa Majia confirmed the violence, stating that no death was recorded but several suspects have been arrested.
Majia assured that the command would continue doing its professional duties in handling any crime activities.