Violence Halts Assembly Bye-Election In Kano

Violence has marred the bye-election into a vacant House of Assembly seat in Kano State.
Following the development, the Independent National Electoral Commission has canceled the election.
The bye-election was for Minjibir State Constituency.
In a statement by Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity of INEC, voters were advised to return to their homes.
INEC said a new date would be fixed for the election.
The statement by INEC reads in full: “Following the spate of violence, threats and general insecurity, including the assault and intimidation of its staff and voters and the snatching of Card Readers and other election materials, the Independent National Electoral Commission is compelled to suspend the election in the Minjibir State Constituency of Kano State forthwith and withdraw all its personnel from the field. This is being done pursuant to its powers under Section 26 of the Electoral Amendment Act, 2015 & after consultation with the Security Agencies.
“Consequently, voters are advised to return to their abodes and continue their lawful activities while security agencies have promptly reacted to safeguard citizens and forestall a complete breakdown of law and order in the area.
“A new date for the election will be announced in due course when the Commission is satisfied that it is safe for it to return to the constituency and when conditions are conducive for the conduct of the election.”