NNPP Knocks APC Over Call For Kano By-election Cancellation, Hails INEC, Others

The ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has condemned calls by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the cancellation of the recently concluded by-election in Shanono/Bagwai federal constituency and the re-run election in Ghari State constituency of Kano State.

In a statement issued to journalists on Saturday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP described the APC’s allegations of electoral violence as baseless, frivolous, and detached from the actual events of the election day.

Johnson emphasised that the elections, as monitored and declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were free, fair, credible, and devoid of violence—adding that the NNPP’s victory reflected the will of the people.

“So, the baseless cries of alleged violence as stated by Felix Morka are frivolous, clearly misplaced, bereft of facts, and do not reflect the reality of the election,” the statement read.

The party noted that Kano State remains a stronghold of the NNPP, making the outcome of the election unsurprising. It accused the APC of spreading misinformation to undermine the integrity of the electoral process and the results.

“The results have now been validated by the INEC Commissioner and other stakeholders who conducted the election and adjudged the process as credible and transparent, with the NNPP candidates emerging victorious,” the statement added.

The NNPP also praised the people of Kano State for their resilience and democratic spirit, and extended commendation to INEC officials and security agencies for their professionalism in ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.

Referring to past instances of violence allegedly instigated by political actors, including an attack on the NNPP Secretariat in Tudun-Wada LGA during the 2023 general election, the party expressed relief that no such incidents occurred during the latest polls.

“But kudos to the vigilance of the security agencies—such a situation did not repeat itself during the bye-election in Kano State, as the process went on smoothly without any violence whatsoever,” the statement said.

The NNPP urged Nigerians and the international community to disregard any claim of violence or irregularities, reaffirming its confidence in the electoral process and institutions.

“The credibility of the bye-election has been attested to by both the leadership of INEC and the Police in Kano State. NNPP hereby salutes the patriotism of the INEC officials and the professionalism of security agencies,” the statement added.