The Coalition of Civil Society Election Observers, in a statement released after last Saturday’s bye-election in Kano, challenged political parties dissatisfied with the conduct and outcome of the poll to seek redress in a competent court of law.
The accredited observers also applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what they described as credible conduct at Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa state constituencies.
The coalition comprises Women Fest for Better Life Living Initiatives; Centre for Grassroots Development and Crime Prevention; Organisation of Justice for Equity and Sustenance; Advocacy for the Advancement of Peace and Harmony in Africa Initiative; Like Minds Support for Good Governance in Africa; Society for the Protection of Human Rights and Society Rights Project.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Kano, convener and leader of the Society Rights Project, Zubaur Ladan, disclosed that the election, monitored by a team of domestic observers, was held in a peaceful atmosphere.
Ladan revealed that observations collated from Saturday’s election indicated a massive turnout of voters, including women who eagerly waited to cast their ballots.
The convener emphasised that the overall outcome of what was observed reflects the popular mandate freely given by the people, especially in Shanono/Bagwai.
“Our team of observers were deployed across polling units, collation centres, and strategic locations to monitor the entire electoral process. After careful observation, interaction with stakeholders, and review of field reports, divergent views have emerged.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demonstrated commendable professionalism in the conduct of the election. Electoral materials arrived promptly in most polling units, and accreditation, voting, counting, and collation processes were carried out in substantial compliance with the electoral guidelines.
“The election was largely peaceful. Security agencies discharged their duties with neutrality and fairness, ensuring a secure environment in which voters could exercise their franchise without intimidation.
“Despite being a by-election, we observed impressive turnout and enthusiasm from the people of Shanono and Bagwai. Voters displayed patience, orderliness, and determination to make their voices heard.”
Reacting to the massive arrest of political thugs attempting to disrupt the conduct of the elections, Ladan confirmed cases of road barricades by thugs who were later contained by thugs.
