The Kano State House of Assembly by-election in Ungogo Local Government Area recorded low voter turnout across several polling units on Saturday.
Observers noted that only a small number of voters turned out to cast their ballots in many areas, a development some residents attributed to the boycott by major political parties, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to residents, the absence of key political contenders significantly affected participation, as supporters of the boycotting parties stayed away from the polls.
At Jangaro Polling Unit in Ungogo LGA, however, turnout was described as average. A voter, Sadiq Salisu, said residents arrived early to vote.
“People came out on time,” he said, though he acknowledged that the boycott contributed to lower participation in other polling units within the area.
In Bachirawa Ward, also in Ungogo LGA, voter turnout remained low despite the early arrival of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Election materials were deployed on schedule, but many eligible voters did not show up.
Residents in the ward similarly linked the low turnout to the decision of some prominent political parties not to participate in the election.
In contrast, Wajila Ward in Kano Municipal Local Government Area recorded a higher level of participation, with polling units witnessing steady voter presence throughout the day. However, observers noted that women turnout was lower compared to that of male voters.
As of the time of filing this report, voting was still ongoing in parts of the affected local government areas, with collation of results expected to commence thereafter.