• 17 Aug, 2025
• Levi Akaaunde
• No comment

INEC Declares Zamfara Assembly Bye-Election Inconclusive

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the bye-election for Kaura-Namoda South Constituency in Zamfara State inconclusive.

The Returning Officer, Professor Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University, Gusau, explained that the decision followed the provisions of the Electoral Act. He said the margin between the leading candidate and the runner-up was less than the total number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected in polling units where results were cancelled.

According to him, elections were cancelled in two registration areas — Sakajiki and Kyambarawa wards.

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 with 4,088 registered voters and 1,964 collected PVCs were affected.

In total, 5,446 voters were registered across the affected areas, with 3,265 PVCs collected.

Earlier results announced showed the All Progressives Congress (APC) leading with 7,001 votes, followed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 5,339 votes — a margin of 1,662. However, this margin was less than the 3,265 collected PVCs in the affected polling units.

Citing relevant sections of the Electoral Act 2022, Professor Sa’adu declared the election inconclusive.

APC Reacts
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State chapter of the APC has commended voters for their turnout, describing the bye-election as tough and competitive. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party claimed the ruling government allegedly used intimidation against voters but noted that the people remained resolute.

The APC also thanked its leaders, including Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar and Bello Mohammed Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, for their support during the process.

The party further accused the state government of failing to address the needs of the people, adding that the outcome of the election reflects growing dissatisfaction with governance in Zamfara.

It urged members and supporters to remain calm while awaiting the conclusion of the electoral process, warning against any attempt to subvert the people’s will.