Observers ask INEC to review Kano guber poll over alleged irregularities

A coalition of domestic election observers has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the governorship election in Kano state over “irregularities”.

Abba Yusuf, candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), won the election with 1,019,602 votes to defeat Yusuf Gawuna, flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who got 890,705 votes.

Addressing a press conference in Kano on Thursday, Friday Maduka, leader of the group, alleged that INEC went against its rules to declare a winner while collation of results was in progress.

Maduka expressed dismay at the violence that was recorded during the conduct of the governorship election in the state.

“INEC went against its rules by declaring a winner while collation of results was still ongoing. Also the margin of lead which is about 130,000 votes is less than the total cancelled votes of over 270,000,” he said.

“Section 65 of the electoral act is very clear in cases like ths. Therefore, the INEC hasty declaration of a winner in the Kano State Governorship election 2023 cannot be said to be fair to all the political parties involved.

“We, the coalition of INEC accredited Observer groups therefore state that the Kano State Governorship election of 18th March, 2023 was marred by irregularities, violation of the Electoral Act and INEC Guidelines and does not meet up with the international best democratic practices and principles for free, Fair, credible and transparent peaceful elections.

“INEC should as a matter of national urgency, review the outcome of the election and have a retraction on its position and look in the direct of conducting a supplementary election in the affected areas of over 270 000 canceled votes in line with our relevant electoral laws for the peace and progress of the state in particular and Nigeria at large.”