2023: Groups call for cancellation of APC Governorship primary in Kano over alleged irregularities

By solacebase.com On May 31, 2022

By Muhammad Muhammad

Five civil society groups on Monday called for immediate cancellation of All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary in Kano, over an alleged malpractice.

Besides the groups wanted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject the outcome of the primary that produced the Deputy Governor Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as APC flag bearer for 2023 election for lacking merit.

The Deputy governor contested against, Chairman, house of representatives committee on security and Intelligence, Hon. Shaaban Ibrahim Sharada, who is representing Kano municipal federal constituency.

Addressing a press conference in Kano, Leader of the groups, Musa Tukur Musa alleged that the primary was marred by irregularities, where political thugs deployed to harass and intimidation of delegates of aspirant not supported by the government.

Musa who expressed dissatisfaction on the manner and processes delegates were constrained to narrow choice, equally indicted the APC electoral officers for manipulating the conduct of the gubernatorial primary election.

According to him, “The APC Gubernatorial election committee sent to Kano as observed failed to comply with the relevant provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022, which made it clear that nomination of a candidate for an elective office by a political party must be preceded by a party consensus and/or primary election should be free, fair and open to all qualified candidates. In contrast to these provisions, the process was hijacked and manipulated.

“There was no any tentative list neither a screening of the said delegates to ensure their authenticity as substantive ones. Some of the delegates were intimidated while others short-changed by Kano State Government officials at the election venue.

“Some of the serving Local Government chairmen were seen commanding delegates to write the name of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna on the ballot paper contrary to their consent and choices. While others were asked to surrender their ballot papers to one individual who was assigned to write for them by the state Government officials.

“Some of the government officials were among the delegates that voted. And there were serious harassment and thuggery outside the hall which makes it difficult to access the indoor Hall or move out of the hall in which many party supporters where attacked by hired thugs.

Further more, Musa continue, “There was no internal democracy and fair play in APC primaries conducted at all levels in Kano state due monopoly and use of excesses of power in favour of state candidates which make the party in limbo and uncertainties for winning secondary elections.

“Thus, we are appealing to our great party All progressive congress (APC), Kano State Primary Election Appeal Committee, 2022 and INEC to consider cancellation of the primary election of governorship for lacking merit, over voting and other irregularities,” the leader of Groups, Musa however stated.

The Civil Society comprises of groups such as Youth Mobilization by media, Arewa Youth Political Gladiators, Community Support for sustainable Development initiatives, Democratic Concerns Group, Kano State and Madafa Women Political Mobilization.

When contacted for reaction, state Secretary of APC, Hon. Zakari Sarina refuted the allegations, insisted the claims are baseless, unsubstituted and lacking all elements of fact.

He said there wasn’t anytime during the primary when delegates were prevented from casting their votes freely and or, prevented from chosen choice aspirant.

Sarina however, advised the groups to rather channel their grievances to the APC election appeal and petitions committee instead of rushing to the media.