The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Kaura-Namoda South Constituency bye-election in Zamfara State inconclusive.
Announcing the decision, the Returning Officer, Professor Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University, Gusau, explained that the margin of lead between the two leading parties was less than the total number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected in polling units where the election was cancelled.
Elections were cancelled in two registration areas—Sakajiki and Kyambarawa wards—due to irregularities. 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 were affected, with 4,088 registered voters and 1,964 PVCs collected.
In total, 3,265 PVCs were collected across the five affected polling units.
From the initial results announced before the cancellation, the All Progressives Congress (APC) led with 7,001 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 5,339 votes, leaving a margin of 1,662 votes—which is lower than the number of PVCs collected in the affected areas.
Citing provisions of the Electoral Act 2022—specifically Sections 24(2)(3), 47(3), and 51(2)—the Returning Officer formally declared the election inconclusive.
APC reacts to inconclusive poll
In response to the development, the Zamfara State chapter of the APC issued a statement on Sunday through its Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, appreciating the electorate for turning out in large numbers.
The party described the bye-election as “tough and tense,” alleging that the ruling PDP-led government in the state used “illegal machinery” to intimidate voters.
“No doubt, the election was tough, tense, and conducted under very harsh conditions, as the government in power used all its illegal machinery to threaten and harass the electorate. Yet, the people remained focused and resilient,” the statement read.
The APC said the result so far demonstrates its continued acceptance in Zamfara and thanked party leaders—including Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle—for their support.
According to the party, the election outcome so far reflects public dissatisfaction with the PDP-led government, accusing it of failing in governance and neglecting the welfare of citizens.
The APC also claimed the state government deployed “thugs and political gangs” in violation of security directives, but praised communities such as Kyambarawa, Banga, Sakajiki, Kurya, Dan-Isa, and Kagara for standing firm in support of the party.
It called on members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting the conclusion of the electoral process.
“The state APC leadership, however, strongly assures that any move to change the people’s mandate will be vehemently resisted,” the statement added.
