Confusion and concern marked Saturday’s Kano State House of Assembly by-election after three major opposition parties — Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigerian Peoples Party, and African Democratic Congress — were missing from the official ballot papers.
The by-election is being held to fill two vacant seats in the state legislature following the deaths of the former lawmakers last year. Both lawmakers were members of the NNPP before their demise.
According to reports monitored during the exercise, only nine political parties appeared on the ballot papers released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, with the three major opposition parties noticeably absent.
Observers at several polling units expressed surprise at the development, raising concerns over the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. As of mid-morning, many polling units across Kano Municipal Local Government Area recorded low voter turnout, despite the early arrival of election officials.
At several locations, only a handful of voters were seen waiting to cast their ballots, while electoral officers sat ready with voting materials, hoping for improved participation as the day progressed.
Security operatives were strategically deployed across the area to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of voters and election personnel. Their visible presence helped maintain calm, although the expected crowd turnout failed to materialise.
Election officials were observed arranging sensitive materials and patiently awaiting more voters, as the exercise continued under tight security.
The low turnout and absence of major political parties on the ballot papers have sparked public debate, with many residents questioning the overall credibility and inclusiveness of the by-election.
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