The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi-Ata, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the Bagwai/Shanono State Assembly by-election, citing widespread violence and electoral malpractice.

Speaking to journalists in Kano on Sunday, Abdullahi-Ata alleged that the election, held on Saturday, was marred by intimidation and disruption carried out by armed thugs.

According to the minister, hoodlums mobilised from within and outside the state stormed Bagwai and Shanono local government areas as early as 5 a.m. on election day.

“They came wielding dangerous weapons, chasing residents from their homes and preventing them from casting their votes,” he said.

Abdullahi-Ata further alleged that the residence of the All Progressives Congress candidate in the constituency was also attacked. He noted that alerts sent to security agencies before and during the invasion did not stop the escalation of violence.

The minister lamented that the electorate, who had anticipated the by-election following the death of their lawmaker, Hon. Halilu Ibrahim-Kundila, in April 2024, were effectively disenfranchised.

“This community has waited patiently for months to choose their representative, but their right was stolen by violence,” Abdullahi-Ata said.

Abdullahi-Ata appealed to INEC to fix a new date for what he described as a “free, fair, and transparent election.” He also urged security agencies to ensure all those arrested in connection with the violence are prosecuted.

He further stated, “We also call on the security agencies to prosecute all those arrested in connection with the violence.”

The minister called on APC supporters and residents of the constituency to remain law-abiding, stressing the importance of protecting the democratic process.

“The foundation of democracy is the right of the people to vote freely and safely for candidates of their choice. An election marred by violence is no election at all,” Abdullahi-Ata said.