Residents of Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas in Kano State have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide clarity on the tenure of the incoming state legislator ahead of the August 16 bye-election, which is being held to fill a vacant seat in the Kano State House of Assembly.
The seat representing the two LGAs has remained vacant for nearly two years following the death of the former lawmaker, Hon. Halilu Ibrahim Kundila, in April 2024. INEC’s failure to conduct a bye-election within the stipulated timeframe has left the constituency without representation.
An investigation revealed that both politicians and residents in the area are uncertain about the duration of the term for whoever wins the upcoming election, especially as the next general election draws near.
Comrade Adamu Magaji Shanono of the NNPP, a native of Shanono LGA, expressed appreciation for the announcement of the election date, noting that the community welcomed the development. However, he emphasized that the primary concern now is clarity on the tenure of the incoming legislator.
“We’re glad INEC has finally responded to our calls. Our area has faced serious neglect because we’ve had no representation in the House. Now, we need INEC to clearly state how long the new member will serve. We’ve already lost nearly two years due to their delay,” he stated.
In Bagwai LGA, similar concerns were raised. Ibrahim Isma’il encouraged residents to turn out and vote, while also urging INEC to clarify the issue of the new lawmaker’s tenure.
“We want the people to participate in this election, but at the same time, INEC must clear the air and help us understand what this term will look like,” he said.
In response to the growing concerns, inquiries were made to the Kano INEC office. The Public Enlightenment Officer, Ashiru Garba Rano, clarified that the winner of the bye-election would serve out the remainder of the original 2023–2027 term, in accordance with national electoral laws.
According to the constitution, anyone elected through a bye-election will complete the remainder of the term, which began in 2023 and ends in 2027,” he explained.
Some legal experts, including Barrister Bashir Yusif Tudun Wuzirchi, backed this interpretation. He also criticized both INEC and the affected communities for not taking earlier legal action to compel the electoral body to conduct the bye-election.
“The delay was a failure on INEC’s part, but also on the people for not pursuing legal redress. Nonetheless, the law is clear — whoever wins will simply serve the remainder of the term ending in 2027,” he stated.
All eyes are now on how the election will play out, as three major political parties the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) gear up to contest for the vacant seat. The outcome is expected to be closely watched, given the heightened political interest and prolonged lack of representation in the constituency.
