Kebbi By-Election Ends Peacefully as Collation Begins

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, with the focus now shifting to the collation of results.

Party supporters, election observers, journalists and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) gathered at designated collation centres awaiting the announcement of the outcome of the poll.

The election recorded a relatively low voter turnout in several polling units despite the deployment of security personnel and the presence of election officials across the constituency.

Earlier in the day, residents of Zuru town were seen carrying on with their normal activities as shops, markets and business centres remained open while voting was underway.

Security operatives were stationed at polling units and strategic locations visited by journalists, helping to maintain order throughout the exercise. No major incidents or security breaches were reported during the conduct of the election.

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

According to him, the election proceeded smoothly despite the low turnout witnessed during the early hours of voting.

“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 a reflection of the party’s popularity and acceptance among voters in the constituency.

He said the exercise provided an opportunity for residents to demonstrate their confidence in the party ahead of future electoral contests.

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

With voting completed, INEC officials are expected to collate the results and formally announce the winner of the by-election.

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