The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the Kaura-Namoda South Constituency by-election in Zamfara State inconclusive.
Returning Officer Professor Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University, Gusau, announced the decision. He explained that the margin between the leading party and the runner-up was smaller than the number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected in polling units where the election was cancelled.
INEC cancelled elections in two registration areas across Sakajiki and Kyambarawa wards. In Sakajiki (code 06), two polling units with 1,357 registered voters and 1,298 collected PVCs were affected. In Kyambarawa (code 05), three polling units with 4,088 registered voters and 1,964 collected PVCs were also voided.
Altogether, 5,446 voters were registered across the affected areas, with 3,265 PVCs collected.
Earlier results showed the All Progressives Congress (APC) leading with 7,001 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) followed with 5,339 – a margin of 1,662. Since this margin was less than the 3,265 collected PVCs in the cancelled polling units, Professor Sa’adu invoked Sections 24(2 & 3), 47(3) and 51(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 to declare the election inconclusive.
APC Reacts
The Zamfara State chapter of the APC thanked voters for their participation, describing the poll as “tough and tense”.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party alleged that the state government used “illegal machinery to threaten and harass the electorate”, but commended voters for their resilience.
The APC insisted the election reflected its strength and acceptance across the state, and warned that any attempt to alter the people’s mandate would be “vehemently resisted”.
The party also accused the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of failing to provide good governance and succour to the people.
“We sincerely thank the people of Kyambarawa, Banga, Sakajiki, Kurya, Dan-Isa and Kagara for turning out in large numbers to vote APC despite intimidation,” the statement read.