PDP, NNPP, ADC absent as Kano Assembly by-election holds

Three prominent opposition parties—the Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and African Democratic Congress—were absent from the ballot papers for Saturday’s Kano State House of Assembly by-election, Arise News reports.

The by-election, conducted to fill two vacant seats following the deaths of former lawmakers last year (both NNPP members), listed nine other political parties, excluding the three major opposition groups.

According to observers, voter turnout in several polling units across Kano Municipal Local Government Area was low, despite INEC officials arriving early and preparing electoral materials. Many units saw only a handful of voters in the early hours, with staff seated and ready to begin the exercise.

Security personnel were strategically deployed to ensure order and protect both voters and electoral staff. Observers noted a strong security presence, although large crowds had not yet formed in many units.

The exclusion of PDP, NNPP, and ADC has raised questions among stakeholders, with the low early turnout intensifying concerns over the inclusiveness and competitiveness of the by-election.