The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State has rejected the outcome of the re-run elections in Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa constituencies, alleging widespread irregularities, violence, and voter intimidation.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday in Kano, the state PDP Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Kibiya, described the exercise as “totally devoid of democratic principles.” He accused political thugs of disrupting the process and intimidating eligible voters, calling the elections “a charade.”

Kibiya urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties, warning that the credibility of the electoral process was at stake. He also called on security agencies to protect voters, maintain peace, and prevent violence during elections.

The PDP chairman further advised political leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and demanded investigations into alleged electoral breaches, with prosecution of offenders to deter future misconduct.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command announced the arrest of 288 suspected thugs during the elections. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori disclosed the figure in Shanono Local Government Area, adding that investigations were ongoing and that those found culpable would be prosecuted.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded the cancellation of the by-election for Shanono-Bagwai Constituency and the rerun election in Ghari Constituency of Kano State.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in a statement on Saturday, alleged that the polls were marred by widespread violence and disruptions by armed thugs at several polling units.

He said voters were forced to flee polling areas while security personnel deployed to the constituencies were overwhelmed by the attacks.

Morka argued that the situation made it impossible to conduct a credible election.

No fewer than 100 suspected political thugs were arrested on Saturday while attempting to disrupt the by-election in the Bagwai/Shanono constituency of Kano State.

The arrest followed heavy deployment of security personnel, including operatives of the Nigerian Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who mounted barricades at entry points to the constituency.

Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ambassador Abdu Zango, confirmed the development to journalists at the INEC local government headquarters in Bagwai.