APC and Others Battle in Kano Bye-Election as NDC Stays Away

The All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are showing their strength in the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency bye-election in Kano State this Saturday.

This election is to fill the gap left by the death of Hassan Danjuma, who was the representative for the constituency in the House of Representatives until he passed away in April.

Mr Danjuma was a first-time lawmaker elected in 2023 with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) but later switched to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano has confirmed that Rabiu Shuaibu of the APC, Abubakar Muhammad of the LP, and Lawan Haruna of the APM are the only candidates cleared for the bye-election.

Why NDC is Out

Usaini Mairiga, the chairperson of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, told PREMIUM TIMES that the party decided not to participate in the bye-election to conserve its political energy for the 2027 general elections.

Mr Mairiga pointed out that opposition parties rarely win bye-elections because of intimidation and tactics used by the ruling party. This situation affected the NDC’s choice not to present a candidate for the election.

He added that as part of a larger political plan, the NDC is preparing to field Mustapha Bala for the Warawa/Dawakin Kudu federal constituency in 2027.

PREMIUM TIMES noted a strong voter turnout at polling units in the Dawakiji ward of Dawakin Kudu LGA and the Danlasan ward of Warawa LGA.

Restriction of Movement

The police announced a full restriction of vehicle and foot traffic in the local government areas ahead of the bye-election.

This restriction started at midnight and will last until 5 p.m. on Saturday as a security measure set up by the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

In a press statement signed by the spokesperson for the state command, Abdullahi Kiyawa, the police said only INEC officials, accredited election observers, journalists, and those on essential duties would be allowed to move freely during this period.

Zero Tolerance for Malpractice

“The Command declares zero tolerance for electoral violence, vote buying or selling, ballot box snatching, and voter intimidation. Anyone caught engaging in malpractice will be arrested and prosecuted under the Electoral Act 2022,” the statement noted.

Additionally, the police reminded everyone that political campaigns, vote canvassing, and displaying party materials are not allowed within 300 meters of polling units.

While assuring the public that the security situation in Kano State is stable, the police urged voters to come out in large numbers to vote without fear. They asked political parties, candidates, and their supporters to follow the rules.

The police also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities or disruptions to the nearest police station or call the emergency hotlines: 0803 241 9754, 0812 382 1575, and 0902 929 2926.