‘No Provision for Inconclusive Elections in Law’ – INEC Clarifies Kano Stakeholders

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the term “inconclusive election” is not recognized under Nigeria’s Electoral Act.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kano on Friday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abdu Zango, emphasized that all electoral decisions must be based strictly on valid votes cast and collated, not on any concept of inconclusiveness.

He urged political parties, civil society, and voters to discard the belief that elections can be declared inconclusive outside the clear provisions of the law.

Zango made the remarks in the context of the forthcoming bye-election in Bagwai/Shanono and a court-ordered rerun in 10 polling units of the Ghari/Tsanyawa constituency.

He noted that while the phrase “inconclusive” had been used in past elections due to operational realities, it has no legal grounding.

He maintained that the commission’s actions in such cases are guided by electoral guidelines, especially where the margin of lead is less than the number of cancelled votes.

The REC assured that the commission is fully prepared for the August 16 polls and urged candidates and political actors to abide by the rules.

He called for peaceful campaigns and cooperation from security agencies to ensure credible outcomes. The meeting was attended by representatives of political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and the media, who all pledged to support the integrity of the electoral process.