On Saturday, 17th November, 2018, INEC conducted bye-elections in Bauchi, Cross River, Katsina and Kwara States. The bye elections were held following a declaration of vacant seats in the House of Representatives for Toro Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Kankia/Kesada/Ingawa Federal Constituency of Katsina State and Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Epo Federal Constituency of Kwara State. The death of the State House of Assembly Member representing Ikom II State Constituency of Cross River State necessitated a vacancy in the State’s Legislature.
At the end of the period stipulated for the submission of names and particulars of candidates for the bye-elections, INEC published the list of candidates. There were two candidates for the election in Bauchi, four for that of Katsina, five for Kwara State and only one candidate for the election in Cross River State.
In Bauchi, Katsina and Kwara States, the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner of the polls while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State won the election unopposed.
Allegations of Police Intimidation: The PDP, which lost the Kwara State Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Epo Federal Constituency seat to APC alleged intimidation of voters and use of the Police to swing the votes against it. According to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki: “This is the first time that elections in Kwara State will be held under such charged, tensed and militarized conditions. We had INEC officials complaining about their own safety and PDP supporters were brazenly intimidated, which resulted in low turn out of voters”.