INEC Fixes August 21 for Supplementary Poll in Zamfara

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled Thursday, August 21, for the supplementary election in Kaura-Namoda South Constituency of Zamfara State.

State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mahmuda Isah, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting in Gusau. He assured political parties and voters that the commission was fully prepared.

Dr. Isah said the electoral body “has put adequate measures in place to ensure a smooth and hitch-free process.”

The decision followed the earlier declaration of the by-election as inconclusive by the Returning Officer, Professor Lawal Sa’adu of the Federal University Gusau. He explained that the supplementary poll became necessary “as the margin between the leading party and the runner-up was less than the total number of Permanent Voter Cards collected in polling units where elections were cancelled.”

INEC further appealed for cooperation from all stakeholders. The commission urged political parties, security agencies, and community leaders to support efforts aimed at ensuring a credible and peaceful exercise.

APC, PDP TRADE WORDS

Meanwhile, political tension is building ahead of the supplementary poll. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has denied allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that it engaged the military to intimidate voters and party agents during the initial election.

The APC dismissed the claims, describing them as politically motivated. The party insisted the accusations were “a desperate attempt by the PDP to cover up what it termed a looming defeat.”