Residents of Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas in Kano State have expressed concerns and confusion regarding the tenure of the incoming state legislator as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares for the August 16 bye-election.
The bye-election aims to fill the vacant seat in the Kano State House of Assembly, which has remained unoccupied for nearly two years following the death of the former lawmaker, Hon. Halilu Ibrahim Kundila, in April 2024. INEC's delay in conducting the bye-election within the stipulated timeframe has left the constituency without representation for an extended period.
An investigation by BenriNews revealed widespread confusion among politicians and residents about the expected duration of office for the winner of the upcoming election, especially as the timeline for the next general election approaches.
Community Concerns Over Representation
Comrade Adamu Magaji Shanono of the NNPP, who hails from Shanono LGA, welcomed the announcement of the election date but emphasized the need for clarity on the term length of the new legislator.
"We're glad INEC has finally listened to our calls. Our area has suffered serious neglect due to lack of representation in the House. Now we need INEC to tell us clearly how long the new member will serve. We've already lost about two years due to their delay," he said.
Similar sentiments were expressed in Bagwai LGA, where Ibrahim Isma'il urged residents to participate in the election while calling on INEC to provide clarity on the tenure question.
"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 stated.
INEC's Response and Legal Perspective
In response to mounting concerns, the Kano INEC Public Enlightenment Officer, Ashiru Garba Rano, clarified that the winner of the bye-election would complete 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 started in 2023 and ends in 2027," he explained.
Legal expert Barrister Bashir Yusif Tudun Wuzirchi supported this interpretation while noting that both INEC and the affected communities share responsibility for the prolonged vacancy.
"The delay was a failure on the part of INEC, but also on the people for not challenging it legally. However, the law is clear — the winner will serve out the term ending in 2027," he noted.
As the election date approaches, three major political parties — APC, PDP, and the ruling NNPP — are preparing to contest for the seat, with residents eager to finally secure representation in the state legislature after the prolonged vacancy.
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