Kano State recorded low voter turnout in the recent bye-elections for the Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Constituencies, as major opposition parties boycotted the exercise.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) declined participation, citing inadequate notice and lack of confidence in the credibility of the process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled the bye-elections to fill vacant seats following the demise of two lawmakers last year. However, the exercise was marred by controversy and political withdrawals.
Former Governor of Kano State and leader of the NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had nominated replacements for the vacant seats, and the nominees were later adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Observers noted that turnout was low across most polling units in Kano Municipal and Ungogo Local Government Areas, with many attributing the apathy to the boycott by opposition parties and what some described as protest abstention by voters.
In an earlier interview, the ADC State Chairman, Musa Shu’aibu Ungoggo, said his party opted out of the election due to lack of trust in the process.
According to him, the bye-elections would amount to an “appointment” rather than a genuine electoral contest.
Ungoggo added that the party was focusing its efforts on preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Similarly, the PDP State Chairman, Yusuf Ado Kibiya, said his party boycotted the polls because of what he described as inadequate notice from INEC.
Kibiya maintained that the timeframe provided was too short to enable proper preparation and effective participation in the elections.
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
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