INEC declares Zamfara by-election inconclusive as APC wins Jigawa federal seat

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Kaura Namoda South State Constituency by-election in Zamfara State inconclusive, even as the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victory in the Babura/Garki federal constituency by-election in Jigawa State.

Announcing the Zamfara result, the Returning Officer, Prof. Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University Gusau, said the declaration followed cancellations in polling units across Sakajiki and Kambarawa wards.

He explained that while the APC candidate scored 7,001 votes against the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 5,339 votes—a margin of 1,662—the number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected in the cancelled polling units stood at 3,265, making the margin of lead smaller than the total PVCs collected.

“In line with Sections 24 (2 & 3), 47 (3), and 51 (2) of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as INEC’s Manual for Election Officials, the election cannot be concluded under this circumstance,” Sa’adu said.

He added that Sakajiki Ward, with two polling units, had 1,357 registered voters and 1,298 PVCs collected, while Kambarawa Ward, with three polling units, had 4,088 registered voters and 1,964 PVCs collected. He confirmed that a supplementary poll would be conducted in the five affected polling units, with a new date to be announced by INEC.

Meanwhile, in Jigawa State, the APC won the Babura/Garki federal constituency by-election. The Returning Officer, Prof. Salihu Ibrahim, declared Mukhtar Rabi’u Garki of the APC winner after he polled 38,449 votes. His closest rival, Isa Auwalu of the PDP, scored 13,519 votes, while the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) secured 2,931 votes.

Ibrahim described the poll as peaceful and transparent, noting that the process adhered strictly to electoral guidelines. He commended security agencies for maintaining order throughout the exercise and urged political parties to accept the outcome in the interest of unity and development.

The Babura/Garki election was conducted to fill the vacant National Assembly seat left by the late representative of the constituency.

Observers said the APC’s landslide victory underscored its strong grassroots presence in Jigawa, even as the PDP showed significant support with its performance.