NNPP retains grip on Kano Assembly with victory in Bagwai/Shanono by-election

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has secured victory in the Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency by-election in Kano, further cementing its dominance in the state House of Assembly.

Announcing the result on Sunday, the Returning Officer, Hassan Adamu Shitu, declared Ali Hassan Kiyawa of the NNPP winner with 16,198 votes, defeating Ahmad Muhammad Kadamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 5,347 votes.

The by-election followed the death of Halilu Ibrahim Kundila, the APC lawmaker who previously represented the constituency, in April 2024.

With this victory, the NNPP now holds 26 seats in the Kano State House of Assembly, compared to the APC’s 14 seats, reinforcing its majority control in the chamber.

APC Cries Foul, Demands Cancellation

Ahead of the announcement of results, the APC had called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the polls, citing widespread violence and disruptions.

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APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, alleged that the election was “marred by extreme violence and disruption caused by armed gangs at several polling units.”

According to Morka, reports from Shanono, Bagwai and Ghari indicated that voters fled polling units as security operatives battled to restore order.

INEC Confirms Arrests of Political Thugs

In response to the controversy, Audu Zango, Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), confirmed that security agencies arrested over 100 suspected political thugs during the exercise.

He noted that security operatives were deployed across flashpoints to contain disturbances and ensure the conclusion of the by-election.

NNPP Dismisses APC’s Allegations

Reacting to the APC’s petition, Ladipo Johnson, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, dismissed the call for cancellation as “frivolous and bereft of facts and reality.”

Johnson maintained that the by-election was free, fair, credible and peaceful, stressing that Kano remains an NNPP stronghold where opposition parties have little chance of swaying results.

“It is unimaginable that the outcome could have been otherwise. The people of Bagwai/Shanono have spoken loudly and clearly in favor of the NNPP,” he said.

Implications for Kano Politics

The outcome underscores NNPP’s continued electoral strength in Kano, where the party also controls the governorship. Analysts say the widening gap in the Assembly strengthens Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s legislative support base and weakens APC’s opposition bloc.

Observers, however, note that the rising incidents of political violence in Kano’s electoral contests remain a concern, raising questions about security arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections.