By SaharaNews247 | August 17, 2025 | Politics
The political temperature in Kano has once again risen sharply after the Tsanyawa/Ghari State Assembly re-run election. The All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner, but the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) immediately rejected the result, alleging manipulation and vowing to challenge the outcome in court.
Declared Results
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), through the returning officer Prof. Muhammad Waziri, announced that APC candidate Garba Ya’u Gwarmai polled 31,472 votes while NNPP’s Yusuf Ali Maigado scored 27,931 votes. This gave APC a margin of 3,541 votes and secured another seat in the Kano State House of Assembly.
The re-run was ordered after the initial election was declared inconclusive. With the supplementary poll concluded, APC now enjoys a numerical boost in the state assembly, though the victory remains under dispute.
NNPP’s Position
The NNPP has firmly rejected the result, describing the re-run as flawed and manipulated. Party leaders allege that votes in several polling units were either prematurely canceled or improperly collated, effectively disenfranchising their supporters.
They also criticized INEC for announcing the results at its Kano headquarters rather than at the constituency collation center, arguing that the decision undermined transparency and credibility.
The party insists that it will take legal action, filing a petition at the election tribunal to overturn the result.
APC’s Reaction
The APC, while celebrating the victory in Tsanyawa/Ghari, has also raised concerns about other by-elections in the state. In a surprising move, the party demanded the cancellation of the Shanono/Bagwai election, citing cases of violence and disruptions.
This dual stance highlights the tense and competitive political environment in Kano, where both APC and NNPP are locked in a battle for dominance.
INEC’s Silence
So far, INEC has not issued a detailed public statement responding to NNPP’s allegations in Tsanyawa/Ghari. The only official communication remains the returning officer’s declaration of the APC candidate as winner.
Analysts suggest that INEC’s response in the coming days will be crucial in shaping public perception of the re-run and restoring trust in the process.
Legal Path Ahead
Under Nigerian electoral law, NNPP has the right to challenge the declaration before the Election Petition Tribunal. To succeed, the party must prove two key points: that there was non-compliance with the Electoral Act or INEC guidelines, and that such non-compliance was significant enough to affect the outcome of the election.
This will require substantial evidence, including result sheets (Form EC8 series), BVAS machine logs, witness testimonies, and possibly photographic or video evidence from polling stations.
Historically, courts in Nigeria have been reluctant to overturn declared results unless there is overwhelming evidence of irregularities that change the vote tally or show clear violations of mandatory procedures.
Why It Matters
The dispute over Tsanyawa/Ghari has broader implications for Kano and Nigeria’s democracy.
In the short term, APC has added another seat in the state assembly, but the NNPP’s challenge means that the final outcome could remain in contention for months. Constituents may face uncertainty in effective representation until the tribunal makes a ruling.
In the medium term, this dispute deepens political polarization in Kano, a state that has consistently been a battleground between APC and NNPP. For NNPP, the rejection is a way to assure its supporters that it is defending their mandate. For APC, the win reinforces its resilience in a politically competitive environment.
Nationally, the controversy comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with questions of electoral credibility. Several of the weekend’s by-elections across 13 states were marred by reports of irregularities and sporadic violence. How INEC and the judiciary handle the Kano dispute will influence broader perceptions about the integrity of Nigeria’s elections.
What Comes Next
The NNPP is expected to file its petition in the coming days. Once lodged, the tribunal will set timelines for hearings and responses. APC will prepare to defend its victory, while INEC will be called upon to present election materials, including BVAS records and result sheets.
Civil society groups and election observers are also likely to weigh in, offering independent verification of the claims and counterclaims.
Ultimately, the outcome will depend on the tribunal’s interpretation of the evidence and the extent to which NNPP can prove that irregularities materially affected the result.
Conclusion
The Tsanyawa/Ghari re-run election has once again highlighted the intensity of political competition in Kano and the fragility of Nigeria’s electoral system. While APC currently holds the seat, NNPP’s rejection and planned legal action ensure the battle is far from over.
As the case moves to the tribunal, the people of Kano—and indeed Nigeria—will be watching closely. The decision will not only determine who represents Tsanyawa/Ghari but also signal how firmly Nigeria’s institutions can safeguard electoral integrity.
