Kano by-elections: INEC, security agencies vow crackdown on troublemakers

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano State, alongside security agencies, has pledged to deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt the upcoming bye-elections in Ghari/Tsanyawa and Bagwai/Shanono State Constituencies scheduled for August 16, 2025.

The warning followed a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting held at INEC’s Kano headquarters on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, DSS, Civil Defence, Customs, Immigration, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Kano INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ambassador Zango Abdul, said the meeting was aimed at strengthening measures to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.

“We have concluded preparations, including the reconfiguration of BVAS devices and the training of ad-hoc staff,” he stated.

Ambassador Abdul warned that anyone planning to disrupt the elections would be met with swift consequences. He recalled how political thugs had derailed the previous Ghari/Tsanyawa election, attacking officials and destroying materials, which led to its cancellation.

Representing the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, CSP Abubakar Hamma said security agencies had learned from past experiences and would not tolerate any form of violence this time around.

“Any politician planning chaos because they anticipate defeat should think twice. We will ensure a secure environment for voters,” he said.

A follow-up meeting with political parties is scheduled for Wednesday to secure their commitment to a peaceful process.

The rerun election in Ghari/Tsanyawa will hold in 10 polling units based on a court order, while the Bagwai/Shanono bye-election follows the death of the constituency’s lawmaker in April 2024.