Kano bye-elections: Residents Seek Clarity on Tenure of Incoming Lawmaker as INEC begins exercise

Residents of Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas in Kano State have appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify the tenure of the incoming Kano State House of Assembly member ahead of the August 16 bye-election.

The bye-election is being held to fill the vacant seat left by the death of the former lawmaker, Hon. Halilu Ibrahim Kundila, in April 2024. The seat has remained unrepresented for nearly two years due to INEC’s delay in conducting the election.

Comrade Adamu Magaji Shanono of the NNPP welcomed the election announcement but emphasized the need for clear information on how long the new legislator will serve, especially since the general election cycle is nearing.

Similarly, Ibrahim Isma’il from Bagwai LGA urged voter participation but also called on INEC to clarify the tenure to manage expectations.

Responding to these concerns, Kano INEC’s Public Enlightenment Officer, Ashiru Garba Rano, explained that the winner of the bye-election would serve the remainder of the original 2023–2027 term, in accordance with national electoral laws.

Legal expert Barrister Bashir Yusif Tudun Wuzirchi supported this view, attributing the delay to INEC and the communities for not pursuing earlier legal action. He affirmed that the winner will complete the ongoing term.

With major parties APC, PDP, and NNPP gearing up for the contest, residents await a transparent and credible election to restore representation.