Kano Assembly by-elections peaceful, witnesses low turnouts
It was a quiet morning in Kano on Saturday as voters trickled in to cast their ballots in the Kano State House of Assembly by-elections. The polls are a test
It was a quiet morning in Kano on Saturday as voters trickled in to cast their ballots in the Kano State House of Assembly by-elections.
The polls are a test of strength for nine political parties, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC), which fielded candidates.
The Accord Party, AAC, ADC, APN, APP, PRP, WPP, and ZLP also made the list of participants.
Two seats in the Kano State House of Assembly became vacant after Sarki Aliyu and Aminu Sa'ad suddenly died within two hours on the same day.
Many Kano residents were unaware of the elections held in Ungogo and the Kano Municipal state constituencies, where the deceased lawmakers hailed from.
Despite the early arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, the turnout was disappointingly low, with only a handful of voters present at the polling booths.
At Kankarofi polling unit, Audu Musa was among the few who turned out to vote.
"The process is smooth and peaceful," he said, adding, "but the turnout is quite low."
Security personnel were visible, strategically deployed to ensure order and safeguard voters and electoral staff.
Alhaji Abdullahi Isa, who observed the process, commended the security agencies for their professionalism. "I am surprised at the slow pace," he said, commending the security.
INEC officials remained optimistic, patiently awaiting more voters, when The Nation inspected the polling units.
"We hope participation increases later in the day," one official said, as stakeholders urged for a peaceful, transparent, and credible exercise.
As the day wore on, many expected the turnout to pick up, but it remained low, slowing the process.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Amb. Abdu Zango beamed with pride as he addressed the press, saying the exercise was going hitch-free.
The State Assembly by-elections in Kano state is a testament to the power of democracy, with security agencies rising to the occasion to ensure a peaceful process.
"Security is top-notch," Zango said, visibly pleased. "We commend the citizens and voters for their responsible behavior. No violence, no threats – we're thrilled!"
He attributed the low voter turnout to the holy month of Ramadan and the limited scope of the election, which involved only two constituencies.
"It's a small election, but we're proud of the turnout," he added.
Zango also addressed the absence of NNPP and PDP candidates, saying, "INEC is ready to welcome any party that meets the requirements. "The onus is on them, not us," he added.
The atmosphere was calm as Zango addressed reporters, with voters peacefully casting their ballots.
"Nine political parties fielded candidates, and INEC is satisfied with the process.
"We're happy with the conduct of the election," Zango concluded, looking very serious but smiling.
"You can see, democracy is alive and kicking in Kano," he stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Police Command, Ibrahim Bakori, alongside other members of the Kano State Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) were seen inspecting the by-elections in Kano Municipal and Ungogo State constituencies.
