Kano voters troop out in large numbers for by-election

DDM News

(DDM) – Voters in Kano State turned out in large numbers on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to participate in the rerun election for Ghari/Tsanyawa Federal Constituency.

DDM gathered that the rerun was ordered after disruptions marred both the 2023 general elections and supplementary polls, forcing a court to mandate fresh voting in 10 affected polling units.

The constituency has about 5,200 eligible voters, with the contest mainly between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

As early as 8 a.m., residents were already seen on long queues in Ghari Local Government Area, eager to exercise their civic rights.

Journalists observed polling stations where accreditation and voting began promptly between 8 and 9 a.m.

Security personnel, including the Nigerian Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed to polling centres to maintain order.

A voter, Abubakar Aliyu, expressed satisfaction with the process, noting that everything began on time without major disruptions.

Another voter, Mairo Magaji, who participated in the Yankefi Ward, highlighted the strong turnout of women.

She explained that she spent only about 20 minutes in the queue before completing her accreditation and casting her vote.

Similarly, Nasiru Sale, who voted at Mata Fada Ward, described the election as peaceful and commended INEC officials for their professionalism.

The high turnout was seen as a sign of renewed confidence in the electoral process despite previous challenges.

Observers noted that the presence of security agencies helped boost voter confidence and ensured a smooth exercise.

However, in the Shanono/Bagwai constituency by-election, the situation was more tense.

Reports indicated that while voting ended peacefully in some units, political thugs disrupted the process in certain areas.

Counting of votes had commenced in polling units where voting was completed without incident.

The Shanono/Bagwai by-election was organised to fill a vacant seat in the Kano State House of Assembly following the death of lawmaker Halilu Kundila in April 2024.

Residents expressed hope that the results of both elections would reflect the will of the people without manipulation or intimidation.

Stakeholders, including civil society organisations, called for vigilance against attempts to undermine the democratic process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to release official results, though collation was expected to begin before evening.

As Kano voters turned out in their numbers, many analysts described the exercise as a critical test for both APC and NNPP, who remain fierce rivals in the state.

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