The Minister of State Housing and Urban Development in Kano State, Yusuf Abdullahi Atta, has alleged that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) hired thugs to chase away residents of Bagwai and Shannon Local Governments during the conduct of Saturday’s rerun election.
Speaking on behalf of the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC), the Minister urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the election and declare the Bagwai Shanono election null and void.
He argued that in the buildup to the election, the political parties had a peace pact to work towards violence-free elections.
He said, ”In this light, all political parties; the All Progressives Congress, APC, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and others agreed not to mobilise thugs.
“Our rally, which was organised on Wednesday, August 13, was held peacefully despite the massive crowd that turned out for it from across the two constituencies; Shanono/Bagwai and Ghari and Tsanyawa.
“Adding that the campaign rally, led by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, was judged by all, as one of the freest rallies conducted in recent times in our country.
“However, the following day, under the guise of conducting their rally, the NNPP imported armed thugs from neighbouring states and countries, infiltrated all the wards in Shanono/Bagwai State Constituency to launch coordinated attacks on supporters of the opposition political parties, particularly the APC.
“The APC candidate for Shanono/Bagwai State Constituency was not spared, as his residence came under attack from these thugs.”
The Minister said disturbingly, the deliberate political brigandage by the NNPP reached its crescendo on the election day, despite early alerts to the security agencies and assurances from the Police and the DSS that the situation would be brought under control before the commencement of voting.
“We appeal to the people of the constituency and our teaming supporters across the state to remain calm and law-abiding. We urge the security agencies to ensure the prosecution of all the armed thugs who have been arrested in connection with this charade,” he added.
The Minister explained that the foundation of any democracy is the right of the people to vote freely and safely for candidates of their choice.
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