Over 100 political thugs arrested during Kano by-election – INEC REC

• INEC’s Kano REC Abdu Zango confirmed arrest of over 100 armed suspects attempting to disrupt Bagwai/Shanono federal constituency voting
• Security intervention stabilized disrupted polling stations, with most units beginning voting between 8:30am and 9am despite initial delays

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over 100 suspected political thugs were arrested in Bagwai LGA, Kano, during the state’s ongoing by-election.

According to NAN, Abdu Zango, Kano’s resident electoral commissioner (REC), spoke with journalists on Saturday after inspecting polling units in Bagwai town.

Zango stated that security personnel apprehended the armed suspects as they attempted to disrupt the voting process in the Bagwai/Shanono federal constituency.

He also stated that the presence of security personnel in the area aided in the stabilization of polling stations that had previously been disrupted by thugs.

Zango noted that electoral officers received the required materials in all designated polling units, adding that some areas witnessed delays in the commencement of voting due to logistics and the disruption caused by the arrests.

The REC said most polling units began between 8:30am and 9am.

Zango assured that those arrested would be prosecuted, while commending security agencies for their swift intervention.