Irregularities trailed the bye-election into Dutsi constituency of Katsina State House Of Assembly with incidences of ballot box snatching and early voting recorded in some polling units.
The bye-election into Dutsi constituency was held yesterday following the death of its former representative, Tasiu Suleiman Yamel, last month.
Our correspondent who monitored the election reports that there were instances of ballot box snatching in some polling units, just as election in others commenced and were concluded before the stipulated 12pm time for commencement of voting.
Findings revealed that elections were concluded before 9:30 am In Nagatau/ Gidan Maianguwa polling unit where the presiding officer, Adewale Abioye confirmed to newsmen that he was harassed and intimidated into conducting the polls before specified time of commencement.
INEC national commissioner in charge of Katsina/Kano/Jigawa, Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Wali who monitored the election confirmed to newsmen that there were reports of ballot box snatching.
Wali who decried the incidence said, “we observed that ballot boxes were snatched in some polling units. In such places, voting will be cancelled” and wondered why people would allow ballot boxes to be snatched.
Commenting on the conduct of the poll, the Katsina state CPC caretaker committee chairman, Farouq Adamu said it was far from being fair and noted that the party had received reports of ballot box snatching in some polling units.
Farouq who alleged that some voters were prevented from voting by PDP thugs said the CPC would formally write to INEC adding “there is problem from what we have seen.”
Although the Katsina state PDP chairman could not be reached for comment, the Chief of State to the governor and PDP chieftain, Salisu Yusuf Majigiri refuted the allegations that some people were prevented from voting and insisted that the elections was free and fair.