By Abdullahi Jalalludeen
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kano State, Ambassador Abdu Zango, has reassured the public of the integrity of the ongoing rerun elections in Bagwai, Shanono and other affected constituencies, despite reports of disruptions by political thugs.
Speaking while briefing journalists on the conduct of the exercise at Shanono local government area,Ambassador Zango confirmed that the elections began smoothly in the morning before hoodlums attempted to hijack the process in some polling units.
“We have had cases of disruption by thugs,But wherever security forces stabilize the situation, voting resumes. As you can see, voters remain enthusiastic, patiently queuing and casting their ballots. Yes, there are disruptions, but in areas where the situation is under control, elections continue.”
On allegations that ballot papers were snatched and tampered with by political thugs, the REC explained that while such incidents occur, the Commission has mechanisms to ensure the continuity of the exercise.
“Sometimes when they grab a ballot box, we replace it so that the process continues. The idea is to ensure that voters already accredited do not lose their right to participate,”.
Ambassador Zango further revealed that security agencies have been active in containing violence. According to him, the Commissioner of Police confirmed that nearly 200 suspected thugs were arrested during the exercise.
He also clarified a misunderstanding involving an INEC staff member who was intercepted by the police while fleeing with election materials.
“There was only one of our staff who ran for her life with a ballot box. The police mistook her for an intruder, but the matter is already being resolved,” .
Responding to questions on how the authenticity of ballot papers would be guaranteed, Zango assured that the verification process during collation, as well as the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), would help prevent manipulation.
On whether results from disrupted polling units would be cancelled, he stressed that the provision of replacement boxes is precisely to avoid disenfranchisement.
“The whole idea of bringing another ballot box is for the process to continue so that people duly accredited can exercise their rights. Cancellation is not our first option; continuity of the process is,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, observers reported that substantial voting took place in many polling units across Shanono and other affected areas, even as security operatives maintained heavy presence to deter further violence.
The rerun elections are being held following court-ordered nullification of earlier results in several constituencies.
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