KEBBI BY-ELECTION CONCLUDES PEACEFULLY AS RESULT COLLATION COMMENCES

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Voting in the by-election for the Zuru State Constituency seat in the Kebbi State House of Assembly concluded peacefully on Saturday across all 200 polling units in Zuru Local Government Area, as attention turned to the collation of results.

Supporters of political parties, journalists, election observers and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission gathered at collation centres awaiting the declaration of results.

Despite the presence of election officials and heightened security deployment, voter turnout remained low in many polling units.

Earlier in the day, residents of Zuru town continued with their normal activities, while markets and shops remained open as the voting process got underway.

Security operatives were stationed at polling units visited by our correspondent, and no major security breaches were reported during the election.

Speaking after casting his vote at Mango Waje Polling Unit, the Kebbi State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abubakar Kana Zuru, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.

“The election is going on smoothly and peacefully. The early hours of the morning often witness low turnout, but we are optimistic that more voters will come out. Despite the rainfall, people are showing commitment to the democratic process,” he said.

At Alhaji Budo Polling Unit in the Rafin Zuru community, an APC chieftain, Muhammad Jafar Gajere, described the by-election as an indication of the party’s popularity ahead of future elections.

“This election provides an opportunity for the people to reaffirm their confidence in the APC. It is also a clear indication of the party’s strength and acceptance ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he stated.

The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Salihu Dangoje, who monitored the exercise in different polling units, commended the participation of women voters, describing their turnout as encouraging.

With voting concluded, INEC officials are expected to collate and announce the results.

As of the time of filing this report, party agents, observers and supporters remained at collation centres awaiting the commencement of the process.