Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has praised the peaceful conduct of the recent bye-elections in Kano State, describing the exercise as a landmark in the state’s democratic journey despite a boycott by key opposition parties.
The polls, held across Kano Municipal and Ungogo, were boycotted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
However, nine political parties participated in the election, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party, AAC, APN, APP, PRP, WPP and ZLP.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, Governor Yusuf commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for ensuring what he described as an orderly and hitch-free exercise.
The calm atmosphere across polling units reflects the growing political maturity of our people,” Yusuf said, thanking residents for their cooperation and peaceful participation.
He particularly acknowledged the APC and other participating parties for adhering strictly to electoral guidelines, noting that the election marked the first time Kano experienced a crisis-free poll in recent years.
“For the first time, we have had a crisis-free election in Kano,” the governor stated, adding that the development aligns with his administration’s “Kano First Agenda.”
Yusuf assured citizens that his government would continue to prioritise security and collaborate with electoral authorities to strengthen transparency and credibility in future elections. He said the state is entering a new phase of issue-based politics anchored on dialogue and democratic values.
Meanwhile, Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner, Amb. Abdu Zango, defended INEC’s handling of the process, attributing the absence of some opposition parties to their internal decisions rather than any institutional failure.
He explained that INEC had received no formal complaints from the parties that abstained and maintained that any party meeting the legal requirements under the Electoral Act was free to participate.
Zango also cited Ramadan and the perception that the contest involved limited candidates as possible reasons for low voter turnout.
“As far as security is concerned, there was no issue,” he said. “Citizens behaved responsibly. No violence, no threats.”
The bye-election, though marked by notable absences, appears to have set a calmer tone in Kano’s often turbulent political landscape, even as debates continue over the broader implications of opposition non-participation.
