Domestic election observers have commended Saturday’s by-elections in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and the Basawa Kewaya State Constituency of Kaduna State, describing the exercise as peaceful, credible, and reflective of the people’s will.
Speaking at a news briefing on Tuesday in Kaduna, the Advocacy for Sustainable Development Initiative (ASDI) stated that the polls were conducted well across 36 wards and 1,165 polling units.
ASDI’s leader, Mr. Abdul-Rasheed Shuaib, noted that the process was marked by the early deployment of election materials and the timely commencement of voting, which contributed to the smooth conduct of the exercise.
He stated that the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned effectively, helping to minimise electoral malpractices.
Shuaib added that the security agencies were present throughout the process to maintain law and order.
He, however, identified low voter turnout in some areas, attributing it to voter apathy and called for enhanced civic education to promote greater voter participation in future elections.
“In spite of the hitch-free process, there was noticeable low enthusiasm in some polling units, which highlights the need for sustained voter education,” he said.
Shuaib also confirmed the arrest of one Mr Shehu Patangi, an opposition party member, for allegedly possessing large sums of money intended for vote buying.
According to him, the suspect had confessed and was being investigated by the police.
The group commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the early deployment of personnel and election materials.
They also commended INEC for the effective use of the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, which enhanced transparency and accountability.
They also praised the professionalism of security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
ASDI urged INEC to improve stakeholder communication and called on the media to continue accurate, fact-based reporting to combat misinformation.
They also advised civil society organisations to intensify voter enlightenment campaigns ahead of future elections.
The observers concluded that the by-elections were credible and a step forward in consolidating democratic governance in the state and country at large.