— Electoral body vows to ensure peaceful polls in Ghari/Tsanyawa and Bagwai/Shanono
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) intensifies preparations for the forthcoming bye-elections in Kano State, the Commission has issued a stern warning to potential troublemakers, declaring its readiness—alongside security agencies—to ensure a violence-free electoral process on 16 August 2025.
The elections, scheduled to be held in the Ghari/Tsanyawa and Bagwai/Shanono State Constituencies, follow a court-ordered rerun and a vacant legislative seat occasioned by the death of a serving lawmaker.
This was made known on Tuesday during a high-level security stakeholders meeting held at the INEC headquarters in Kano. The meeting brought together top representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Customs Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Speaking after the closed-door session, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kano State, Ambassador Zango Abdul, emphasised that all critical logistics and technical requirements for the election had been addressed, including the reconfiguration of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and capacity-building sessions for electoral personnel.
“We have put all necessary measures in place to deliver a credible and peaceful election,” Abdul affirmed. Those nursing plans to instigate violence should remember the previous disruption in Ghari/Tsanyawa, where hoodlums attacked electoral officials and vandalised materials. This will not be tolerated again.”
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, represented by CSP Abubakar Hamma, echoed the electoral body’s warning, assuring the public of watertight security across all polling centres.
“We’ve learnt hard lessons from past electoral disruptions. This time, any attempt to derail the process will be met with decisive action. Candidates and their supporters must conduct themselves within the bounds of the law,” he stated.
INEC has also scheduled a follow-up meeting with political parties and candidates on Wednesday, as part of efforts to secure their commitment to peaceful participation.
The Ghari/Tsanyawa rerun will be conducted in 10 polling units as ordered by the court, after the initial attempt was aborted due to widespread violence. Meanwhile, the Bagwai/Shanono bye-election follows the passing of the constituency’s representative in April 2024.
INEC and security operatives have reiterated their commitment to transparency and safety, urging the electorate to come out en masse and vote without fear.
