Election observers describe Kano by-election as credible 
A coalition of Local Election Observers, has described the just-concluded Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency by-election as credible, commending the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), for a job well done.
The convener of the group, Maxwell Peters, stated this at a news conference in Kano on Tuesday.
Peters said that the election was also peaceful and transparent, devoid of any violence, intimidation or thuggery.
“The Shanono/Bagwai bye-election of 16th August 2025 has set a positive example of how democratic elections should be conducted in Nigeria – peaceful, transparent and credible.
“Our teams were deployed across polling units, collation centres, and strategic locations to monitor the entire electoral process. After careful observation, interaction with stakeholders, and review of reports from the field, we are pleased to state the followings:
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demonstrated commendable professionalism in the conduct of the election. Electoral materials arrived promptly in most polling units, and accreditation, voting, counting, and collation processes were carried out in substantial compliance with the electoral guidelines.
“The election was largely peaceful. Security agencies discharged their duties with neutrality and fairness, ensuring a secure environment for voters to exercise their franchise without intimidation,” he said.
Peters added:”The results as announced by INEC reflect the will of the people. Counting of ballots at the polling units was done in the presence of party agents, observers, and voters, with results openly displayed for public verification.
“We urge the winning party to be magnanimous in victory and to ensure inclusive governance that addresses the needs of all constituents.”
He also urged the loser to accept the result in good faith.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) won the election.
INEC Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Hassan Shitu, announced that the NNPP candidate, Ali Al-Hassan scored 16,198 votes to beat Abdullahi Muhammed of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who scored 5,347 votes.
Shitu said that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) placed a distant third with 159 votes.
He said that 11 political parties fielded candidates for the election.
The seat became vacant after the death of an APC lawmaker, Hallilu Kundila.
