Low Turnout, Party Boycott Shape Kano Assembly By-Elections in Municipal, Ungogo

Voter turnout was generally low across several polling units in Kano Municipal and Ungogo Local Government Areas on Saturday as residents participated in the Kano State House of Assembly by-elections, despite the early arrival and prompt organization of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In many polling units visited as of mid-morning, only a handful of voters were seen waiting to cast their ballots. INEC officials arrived on schedule, arranged electoral materials, and remained seated in readiness while awaiting more constituents.

Observers reported a strong presence of security personnel deployed strategically around polling centres to maintain order and safeguard voters and election officials. Armed officers were stationed at key points, contributing to what many described as a calm and orderly atmosphere.

At a polling unit in Kano Municipal, Malam Abdul Musa expressed surprise at the slow pace of participation.

“I am surprised by the low turnout this morning,” he said. “Usually, people troop out early. But I believe as the day progresses, more voters will come out to exercise their civic rights.”

He commended security agencies for their professionalism and visible presence.

Similarly, Umar Uba Ali, who voted at the Kankarofi polling unit around 9:00 a.m., noted that only a few voters were present at the time.

“When I arrived to vote, there were very few of us,” Ali said. “The process was smooth and peaceful, but the turnout was low compared to what we normally expect.”

In Ungogo Local Government Area, low voter turnout was widely attributed to the boycott by major political parties, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Across several polling units in Ungogo, only a small number of voters were observed exercising their civic rights. Residents said the absence of key political parties significantly dampened enthusiasm, as supporters of the boycotting parties chose to stay away from the polls.

At Jangaro polling unit in Ungogo, turnout was described as average. A voter, Sadiq Salisu, said some residents arrived early to vote but acknowledged that participation in other areas was affected by the boycott.

In Bachirawa Ward, low turnout persisted despite INEC’s timely arrival. Officials were fully prepared, but many eligible voters did not show up. Residents in the ward similarly linked the low participation to the decision of prominent parties not to take part in the election.

In contrast, Wajila Ward in Kano Municipal recorded a strong turnout, with polling units busy and voters arriving in large numbers. However, observers noted that women were fewer in number compared to male voters, despite the overall high participation rate in the area.

As voting continued under tight security, stakeholders expressed hope for a peaceful, transparent and credible exercise that would reflect the will of the people.

Election officials are expected to begin collation of results as voting concludes across the affected local government areas.