Residents of Bagwai and Shanono Native Authorities Areas in Kano State have known as on the Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) to make clear the tenure of the incoming state legislator forward of the August 16 bye-election, which is being performed to fill the vacant seat within the Kano State Home of Meeting.
The seat, which represents the 2 LGAs, has remained vacant for almost two years following the dying of the previous lawmaker, Hon. Halilu Ibrahim Kundila, in April 2024. INEC did not conduct a bye-election throughout the stipulated time, leaving the constituency with out illustration.
A DAILY POST investigation revealed that politicians and residents within the space are confused concerning the anticipated length of workplace for whoever wins the election, because the timeline for the subsequent basic election is already drawing shut.
Comrade Adamu Magaji Shanono of the NNPP, who hails from Shanono LGA, stated the individuals welcomed the announcement of the election date. Nevertheless, their most important concern now could be to know the time period of the brand new legislator.
“We’re glad INEC has lastly listened to our calls. Our space has suffered critical neglect because of lack of illustration within the Home. Now we want INEC to inform us clearly how lengthy the brand new member will serve. We’ve already misplaced about two years because of their delay,” he stated.
In Bagwai LGA, related sentiments have been expressed. Ibrahim Isma’il urged residents to come back out and vote, whereas additionally calling on INEC to supply solutions on the tenure query.
“We wish the individuals to take part on this election, however on the identical time, INEC should clear the air and assist us perceive what this time period will appear like,” he stated.
In response to the mounting considerations, DAILY POST reached out to the Kano INEC workplace. The Public Enlightenment Officer, Ashiru Garba Rano, defined that the winner of the bye-election would merely full the unique 2023–2027 time period, in step with nationwide electoral legal guidelines.
“In line with the structure, anybody elected by way of a bye-election will full the rest of the time period, which began in 2023 and ends in 2027,” he stated.
Some authorized specialists, together with Barrister Bashir Yusif Tudun Wuzirchi, supported this interpretation. He additionally blamed each INEC and the affected communities for not taking authorized steps earlier to compel INEC to carry the election.
“The delay was a failure on the a part of INEC, but in addition on the individuals for not difficult it legally. Nevertheless, the legislation is obvious — the winner will serve out the time period ending in 2027,” he famous.
All eyes are actually on how the election will unfold as three main events — APC, PDP, and the ruling NNPP — put together to contest for the seat.
