Residents of Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas in Kano State have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clarify the tenure of the incoming state legislator ahead of the August 16 bye-election, which is being conducted to fill the vacant seat in the Kano State House of Assembly.
The seat, which represents 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 failed to conduct a bye-election within the stipulated time, leaving the constituency without representation.
A DAILY POST investigation revealed that politicians and residents in the area are confused about the expected duration of office for whoever wins the election, as the timeline for the next general election is already drawing close.
Comrade Adamu Magaji Shanono of the NNPP, who hails from Shanono LGA, said the people welcomed the announcement of the election date. However, their main concern now is to understand the term 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.
In Bagwai LGA, similar sentiments were expressed. Ibrahim Isma’il urged residents to come out and vote, while also calling on INEC to provide answers 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 said.
In response to the mounting concerns, DAILY POST reached out to the Kano INEC office. The Public Enlightenment Officer, Ashiru Garba Rano, explained that the winner of the bye-election would simply complete the original 2023–2027 term, in line 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 said.
Some legal experts, including Barrister Bashir Yusif Tudun Wuzirchi, supported this interpretation. He also blamed both INEC and the affected communities for not taking legal steps earlier to compel INEC to hold the election.
“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.
All eyes are now on how the election will unfold as three major parties — APC, PDP, and the ruling NNPP — prepare to contest for the seat.
