Low turnout marks early hours of Kano Assembly Bye-Elections

Low voter turnout characterised the early hours of Saturday’s bye-elections into two seats of the Kano State House of Assembly.

The polls, taking place across 1,014 polling units in 24 registration areas, were necessitated by the deaths of Aminu Sa’ad Ungogo of Ungogo constituency and Sarki Aliyu of Kano Municipal constituency in December 2025.

About 535,000 registered voters are expected to participate in the exercise. Although election materials reportedly arrived early at various polling stations, officials and residents expressed concern over the slow pace of voter turnout, even as many remained optimistic that participation would pick up later in the day.

Reports from the affected constituencies indicated that the process had so far been peaceful, with no major incidents recorded. Security agencies maintained a visible presence to safeguard the process, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reiterated its commitment to conducting credible elections.

The bye-elections are being closely watched as a political contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), alongside other parties cleared to participate.

Daily Trust