The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the Kaura Namoda South State Constituency by-election in Zamfara State inconclusive.
The Returning Officer, Prof. Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University Gusau, announced the decision on Sunday, citing cancellations in polling units across Sakajiki and Kambarawa wards.
According to him, the affected polling units have 5,446 registered voters, with 3,265 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected.
Results showed the All Progressives Congress (APC) leading with 7,001 votes, ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which polled 5,339 votes — a margin of 1,662. However, this margin is lower than the number of collected PVCs in the cancelled units, making it impossible to declare a winner.
Prof. Sa’adu explained that in line with Sections 24 (2 & 3), 47 (3), and 51 (2) of the Electoral Act 2022, the election could not be concluded since the margin of lead did not exceed the number of collected PVCs in the affected areas.
The cancellations affected two polling units in Sakajiki Ward with 1,298 collected PVCs, and three in Kambarawa Ward with 1,964 collected PVCs.
INEC said a supplementary election would be conducted in the affected polling units, with the date to be announced later.
(The Star)
