INEC Declares Zamfara By-Election Inconclusive Amid Tight Contest Between APC and PDP

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the by-election for the Kaura-Namoda South Constituency seat in the Zamfara State House of Assembly inconclusive. The announcement was made at the Kasuwar Daji Collation Centre on Saturday, August 16, 2025, following a tense electoral process that saw both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vying closely for victory.

According to the results released, the APC secured a total of 6,999 votes, while the PDP polled 5,339 votes, leaving the ruling party with a lead margin of 1,660 votes. Despite this advantage, INEC ruled that the election could not be concluded due to irregularities in some polling units. The decision has generated significant debate among party loyalists, with both camps expressing optimism about the eventual outcome.

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INEC Explains the Zamfara Situation

INEC officials explained that the results from three polling units in Kyanbarawa Ward and two in Saka Jiki Ward were marred by irregularities that undermined the credibility of the exercise. To ensure transparency and fairness, the commission announced that a supplementary election would be conducted in the affected polling units.

“The commission has a duty to ensure that every vote counts and that the process reflects the will of the people,” the INEC official declared at the collation centre. “Since the identified irregularities could affect the overall result, the election in Kaura-Namoda South Constituency remains inconclusive until fresh voting is conducted in the affected areas.”

This development underscores INEC’s determination to uphold electoral integrity, despite the political tension that often surrounds elections in Zamfara State.

APC and PDP Battle for Political Ground

The breakdown of results across the six wards highlighted the intensity of the contest. The APC dominated in four wards, while the PDP maintained control in two key areas.

• Kagara Ward: APC – 783, PDP – 682
• Saka Jiki Ward: APC – 1,021, PDP – 359
• Banga Ward: APC – 1,163, PDP – 1,466
• Kyanbarawa Ward: APC – 1,162, PDP – 660
• Kurya Ward: APC – 983, PDP – 1,580
• Dan Isah Ward: APC – 1,887, PDP – 592

From the tally, the APC’s strength was evident in Dan Isah Ward, where it secured a commanding lead, while the PDP’s resilience was demonstrated in Kurya Ward, where it maintained a significant margin. However, with the inconclusive declaration, the fate of the constituency seat now hinges on the supplementary election.

Implications for Zamfara Politics

The Kaura-Namoda South by-election carries weighty political significance, as it reflects the ongoing battle for dominance between the APC and PDP in Zamfara. In recent years, the state has witnessed sharp political shifts, with power frequently oscillating between both parties.

Analysts believe the outcome of the rerun could influence not only the composition of the Zamfara State House of Assembly but also the broader political atmosphere in the state. For the APC, maintaining its lead would further consolidate its control, while the PDP sees the supplementary election as a chance to overturn the results and reclaim lost ground.

Community Reactions and Expectations

The declaration of the election as inconclusive has sparked mixed reactions among residents of Kaura-Namoda South. Supporters of the APC celebrated their lead but expressed frustration that their candidate could not be immediately declared winner. On the other hand, PDP loyalists welcomed INEC’s decision, insisting that the supplementary election offers a fair opportunity to correct alleged irregularities.

Community leaders have called on both parties to exercise restraint and allow the electoral process to run its course. Civil society organizations monitoring the election also praised INEC’s decision, describing it as a step toward ensuring credibility and avoiding post-election disputes.

What Happens Next?

INEC has assured the public that a new date for the supplementary election will be announced soon. The commission emphasized its commitment to conducting the rerun in a transparent and peaceful manner. Until then, the political climate in Kaura-Namoda South is expected to remain charged, with both APC and PDP intensifying campaigns in the affected wards.

As Zamfara residents await the rerun, one thing remains certain: the outcome will determine not only who represents Kaura-Namoda South in the State Assembly but also which party can claim supremacy in one of the state’s most politically contested constituencies.