Coalition of Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) observers in the last Saturday Bagwai/Shanono by-election in Kano state have differed in their observations with some calling for it outright cancellation and another commending the process.
While briefing Journalists on the outcome of the election on Tuesday, a coalition of CSOs observers under the umbrella body of coalition of civil society and community members of Shanono and Bagwai local government areas called for the total cancellation of the constituency election, saying the election was a ‘charade and shenanigans’.
The coalition which includes Youth Awareness forum, Shanono/Bagwai Academic Forum, Centre for strategic conflict management and organisation for Justice and equity among others observed that the election has failed the standards stipulation provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Leader of the group, prof. Mohammad Mukhtar, said the election was characterised by a worst level of voter intimidation by thugs who overwhelmed the area before and during the election.
According to him, members of the coalition who were deployed as election observers in 10 wards across 81 polling units observed that the election voided INEC’s provision, banning all campaign rallies 24 hours to elections alleging that people were seen flaunting red caps in the area.
“On Saturday, 16, August, 2025 on Election day. Our members observed that armed thugs chased APC supporters from their homes and polling units to allow opposition parties to manipulate the ballot papers.
“Armed thugs, with dangerous weapons were present in most polling units, intimidating voters who remained, thereby deterring many from casting their votes. Many voters had to flee eventually for fear of injuries by the Red cap mobs.
“Security agents were visibly overstretched and overwhelmed by the level of violence and intimidation, making it difficult to protect voters and maintain law and orderliness which would have allowed voters the right atmosphere and conducive environment to uphold their civic responsibility,” he noted.
The group however urged political parties to ensure they sensitized their members on the need for orderliness during electioneering periods, saying, it serves as a hallmark for democracy.
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In a related development, another coalition of CSOs observers under a group, accredited domestic and international election observers, commended the electoral process, urging aggrieved members to seek redress in the court.
The coalition includes Advocacy for advancement of peace and harmony in Africa, Society rights project and Centre for grassroot development and crime prevention among others.
Convener of the press briefing Zubair Ladan, highlighted that the elections were conducted in a peaceful and credible atmosphere with massive voter turnout.
According to him, reports by his team members deployed across polling units and strategic locations indicated that INEC conducted a credible election with early arrival of electoral materials in most polling units, with collation processes done in accordance with the electoral guidelines.
“Despite being a bye-election, we observed impressive turnout and enthusiasm from the people of Shanono and Bagwai. Voters displayed patience, orderliness, and determination to make their voices heard.
“The results as announced by INEC reflect the will of the people. Counting of ballots at the polling units was done in the presence of party agents, observers, and voters, with results openly displayed for public verification,” he stated.
Ladan further commended INEC, security agencies, other CSOs, political parties and people of the areas for their peaceful conduct, noting that it shows their commitment to democracy.
