The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has suspended the rerun election in Kunchi/Tsanyawa Constituency in Kano State held on February 3, 2024, after suspected political thugs reportedly disrupted the election processes in 10 Polling Units of the constituency.
Despite the preparations by security agencies and INEC, the election faced huge challenges.
It was gathered that the thugs stormed the area, hijacked, and took away election materials despite the presence of heavy security personnel at the polling units.
According to a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr Sam Olumekun, the election was suspended due to disruptions, irregularities and abduction of election officials.
He said the thugs invaded and vandalized all the 10 polling units in Kunchi/Tsanyawa Constituency of Kano State, a situation that outrightly disrupted the activities.
He said the decision to suspend the election aligns with the provision of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.
After 11 months, election has not been held in the Tsanyawa/Kunchi constituency comprising two local government areas.
The constituency has remained without a representative in the Kano State House of Assembly.
Residents of the area believe this situation violates electoral laws and the Constitution of Nigeria, as well as an infringement on their right as Nigerians who are to have representatives in the state assembly.
Some constituents expressed dismay over the delay, while demanding to know why the election was yet to be conducted after close to one year without a cogent reason from INEC.
Ashiru Abdulhamid Yan Dadi, one of the residents of the area, said, “The lack of representation has set us back. We lack basic amenities, and many youths have completed their education but are unemployed.
“As a result, some are forced to migrate to Abuja or Lagos in search of opportunities, while those who remain rely solely on farming.”
He called on the Kano State Government and the electoral commission to assist the constituency.
Dauda Jawwara lamented: “Many have left; as for us here, we have no state or federal representation, we are completely detached from governance, we are not reaping the benefits of democracy in our two local governments.”
In 2023, an appeal court annulled the election of the constituency’s representative, Garba Yau Gwarmai of APC and ordered a rerun following a petition filed by the NNPP candidate, Yusif Ali Maigado.
