Yusuf hails Kano Assembly bye-elections as NNPP, PDP, ADC boycott polls
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Saturday commended the “peaceful conduct” of the bye-elections in Kano State, describing the exercise as a significant milestone in the state’s democratic process. The elections,
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Saturday commended the “peaceful conduct” of the bye-elections in Kano State, describing the exercise as a significant milestone in the state’s democratic process.
The elections, however, were boycotted by three major opposition parties — the African Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and the New Nigeria People's Party.
Participating parties included the Accord Party, AAC, ADC, All Progressives Congress, APN, APP, PRP, WPP and ZLP.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Sanusi Bature, the governor expressed appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for ensuring that the exercise was conducted in an orderly and hitch-free manner.
“The calm atmosphere across polling units reflects the growing political maturity of our people,” Yusuf said, while thanking residents of Kano Municipal and Ungogo for their cooperation.
He also commended political parties that participated in the election, particularly members of the APC, for adhering to electoral guidelines.
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"For the first time, we have had a crisis-free election in Kano," Yusuf said, adding that the development aligns with his administration's Kano First Agenda.
The governor assured continued prioritisation of citizens' security and vowed to work with electoral bodies for transparent and credible future elections.
He noted that a new era of issue-based politics has beckoned in Kano, anchored on dialogue, tolerance, and democratic values.
The Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner, Amb. Abdu Zango, blamed the leaderships of NNPP and PDP for not fielding candidates for the bye-election, insisting that INEC was ready to welcome any party that met all the necessary requirements for the by-election.
"You have gone round and seen things for yourselves. As far as security is concerned, you can see for yourselves, no issue. And we really want to appreciate and commend citizens and voters.
"They have behaved responsibly. No violence. No threat, whatsoever, visible or even invisible.
"So, we are very happy. For the turnout of voters in polling units, maybe low because of the Ramadan. Second, I think the general feeling that this is a very small election involving only two candidates, and very few parties.
"We have nine parties that fielded candidates. For the parties that did not participate, INEC did not receive any complaint from them. We have not received any accusation or anything. That they are not participating is entirely their responsibility.
"We don't decide who participates. Whichever party that does primary, and satisfies all the necessary guidelines as contained in the Electoral Act, is eligible to field candidates," the INEC resident commissioner said.
