The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has commended INEC and security agencies for ensuring credible by-elections in Shanono/Bagwai and Ghari constituencies, Kano State.
NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, on Saturday in Abuja also praised Kano residents for allowing a transparent voting exercise during the by-elections.
He, however, condemned the call for cancellation of the two elections.
Johnson described the cancellation call, allegedly over violence, credited to All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesman Felix Morka, as frivolous and devoid of facts and reality.
He maintained that Morka’s position did not reflect actual events, stressing that the NNPP candidate won overwhelmingly, as duly declared by INEC.
Johnson stated that the two constituency elections were free, fair, credible and peaceful, adding that as NNPP strongholds, the results could not have been otherwise.
“We must state unequivocally that there were no widespread irregularities during the election, contrary to the misleading narrative being peddled by the APC,” Johnson declared.
He added that Kano remained the NNPP stronghold, making it inconceivable that the APC could have won, as electoral history and outcomes in recent times proved otherwise.
“The results have now been validated by the INEC commissioner, who adjudged them free, fair, credible, and validly won by NNPP candidates,” Johnson emphasised.
He commended Kano people for resisting nefarious activities during the elections.
“The NNPP salutes the patriotism of INEC officials and security agencies for demonstrating professionalism and courage throughout the exercise,” Johnson said.
He added that both INEC and the Police in Kano attested to the credibility of the by-election, which went smoothly without violence.
“NNPP therefore urges Nigerians and the international community to disregard any claim of violence in today’s by-election in Kano State,” Johnson said.