The Kano State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome of Saturday’s bye-election into the Shanono/Bagwai state constituency, alleging that the process was marred by intimidation, thuggery, and irregularities.
Addressing journalists in Kano, the PDP State Chairman, Yusuf Ado Kibiya, described the conduct of the poll as unacceptable and called for immediate investigation into reported breaches of electoral laws.
“We, the Peoples Democratic Party in Kano State, express deep concern over the conduct of the Shanono/Bagwai by-election. The death of the former representative last year already placed a heavy burden on our constituents, who deserve a transparent, peaceful, and credible process,” Kibiya said.
He decried reports of violence and voter harassment, warning that such actions undermine democracy and erode public trust.
“The use of intimidation or violence to influence voters or tilt the outcome of an election is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he added.
The PDP chairman accused unnamed actors of attempting to manipulate the process for partisan advantage. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee a level playing field for all participating parties, stressing the need for strict enforcement of electoral rules, timely deployment of election materials, and adequate voter protection.
Kibiya also called on security agencies to protect citizens’ right to vote freely and to decisively check incidents of violence, intimidation, or vote-buying.
In addition, he urged both the Kano State Government and national leaders to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric that could heighten political tensions, while restating his party’s commitment to peaceful participation and respect for the rule of law.
“The PDP calls on all stakeholders, particularly the APC and other political parties, to engage in issue-based campaigns and reject anti-democratic tactics. A free and fair by-election is the foundation of representative democracy, and the authorities must act decisively to safeguard that principle,” he said.