The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Kaura-Namoda South Constituency by-election in Zamfara State inconclusive, citing irregularities that violate key provisions of the Electoral Act.
Announcing the decision late Saturday, the Returning Officer, Professor Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University, Gusau, said the margin of lead between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was less than the number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected in polling units where elections were cancelled.
According to Sa’adu, the APC was leading with 7,001 votes, while the PDP trailed with 5,339 votes, giving a margin of 1,662 votes.
However, a total of 3,265 PVCs had been collected in five polling units where voting was either cancelled or disrupted, making it impossible to declare a conclusive winner under the provisions of Sections 24(2 & 3), 47(3), and 51(2) of the Electoral Act 2022.
He said in Sakajiki Ward (Code 06), two polling units were affected with 1,298 PVCs collected. and Kyambarawa Ward (Code 05),three polling units affected; 1,964 PVCs collected.
This brings the total number of affected PVCs to 3,265, which is significantly higher than the margin of lead.
The Zamfara State APC reacted swiftly, describing the election as “tough and tense” and alleged intimidation by the ruling PDP-led government.
In a statement issued by APC State Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party accused the PDP of using illegal means and thugs to suppress voters, especially in key strongholds like Kyambarawa, Banga, Sakajiki, Kurya, Dan-Isa, and Kagara.
“This election has shown the strength and continued acceptance of the party in the state… Any move to change the people’s mandate will be vehemently resisted,” the party warned.
The APC further credited its resilience to the leadership of Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
