INEC declares bye-election inconclusive in kaura-Namoda south over irregularities in five polling units; rerun date to be announced soon
INEC declares bye-election inconclusive in the Kaura-Namoda South Constituency following voting irregularities in five polling units, disrupting the Zamfara State House of Assembly race.
Also read: INEC Bye-Elections Under Fire as ADC’s David Mark Demands Transparent Process
The announcement came at approximately 1:30 a.m. from the Returning Officer, Professor Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University Gusau.
He cited significant discrepancies in Sakajiki and Kyambarawa wards that prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from declaring a conclusive result.
According to Professor Sa’adu, the margin between the All Progressives Congress (APC), which led with 7,001 votes, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), withm5,339 votes, was 1,662 votes—lower than the number of collected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the affected polling units.
Sakajiki Ward (Code 06): 2 polling units
- 1,357 registered voters
- 1,298 PVCs collected
Kyambarawa Ward (Code 05): 3 polling units
- 4,088 registered voters
- 1,964 PVCs collected
In total, 3,265 PVCs were collected across the five affected polling units—more than double the lead margin.
Professor Sa’adu referenced Sections 24 (2 & 3), 47 (3), and 51 (2) of the Electoral Act 2022 to justify the commission’s decision, stating it had “no choice” but to call the election inconclusive in line with legal provisions.
“The number of voters who could still cast ballots exceeds the margin of lead. That mandates a rerun to determine the final winner,” he explained.
INEC assured the public that a new date for the rerun election in the five affected polling units will be announced soon.
The decision underscores INEC’s commitment to electoral transparency and legal integrity, even amid rising political tensions between the APC and PDP in Zamfara.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the conduct of by-elections like this one remains a crucial indicator of Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
Also read: INEC Bye-Elections Deployment Update Sparks Tension
INEC Declares Bye-Election Inconclusive — a reminder that every vote, and every process, still counts in shaping Nigeria’s future.
