INEC declares Zamfara bye-election inconclusive over irregularities

• The margin of 1,662 votes between APC and PDP was less than the 3,265 collected PVCs in affected units.
• Two polling units in Sakajiki Ward with 1,357 registered voters and 1,298 collected PVCs were cancelled.

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

The decision followed reported irregularities in five polling units spread across Sakajiki and Kyambarawa wards.

The returning officer, Professor Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University Gusau, announced the development around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Professor Sa’adu explained that the difference in votes between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party stood at 1,662.

He said the figure was lower than the total number of collected Permanent Voter Cards in the affected polling units.

In Sakajiki Ward, two polling units with 1,357 registered voters and 1,298 collected PVCs were cancelled due to the irregularities.

In Kyambarawa Ward, three polling units with 4,088 registered voters and 1,964 collected PVCs were also affected.

This brought the total number of collected PVCs in the disputed units to 3,265, higher than the margin of lead.

Earlier results had placed the APC in front with 7,001 votes against the PDP’s 5,339 votes.

Citing provisions of the Electoral Act 2022—specifically Section 24 (2&3), Section 47 (3), and Section 51 (2)—he said the commission acted within the law.

INEC confirmed that a fresh date for the rerun in the affected polling units would be announced soon.