Kano Assembly By-Elections record low turnout in Kano Municipal despite early INEC arrival and strong security presence

The Kano State House of Assembly by-elections recorded a low turnout on Saturday across several polling units in Kano Municipal Local Government Area, despite the early arrival of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria observed that as of mid-morning, many polling centres had only a handful of voters waiting to cast their ballots.

INEC officials were seated with electoral materials properly arranged, prepared for accreditation and voting, while anticipating increased participation as the day progressed.

Security personnel maintained a strong presence throughout the area. Officers were strategically positioned around polling units to preserve order and safeguard both voters and electoral staff.

The deployment was widely described as robust, reflecting heightened efforts to ensure a peaceful process.

Alhaji Abdullahi Isa expressed surprise at the sparse turnout but commended security agencies for their professionalism.

Audu Musa, who voted at the Kankarofi polling unit, described the voting process as smooth and peaceful, though he also lamented the low participation.

Electoral officials remained cautiously optimistic that voter numbers could rise later in the day.

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Stakeholders expressed hope that, despite the early lull, the Kano Assembly By-Elections would conclude in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner.