The by-election for the Zuru State Constituency seat in the Kebbi State House of Assembly was conducted peacefully across 200 polling units in Zuru Local Government Area on Saturday, although several polling centres recorded low voter turnout.
Across parts of Zuru town, observations between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. showed residents going about their normal activities, with shops and businesses open while electoral officials awaited the arrival of voters.
Security personnel were visibly deployed across the area to maintain order and ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Speaking after casting his vote at Mango Waje Polling Unit, the Kebbi State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Kana Zuru, said turnout was expected to improve as the day progressed.
“The election is going on smoothly and peacefully. The early hours usually 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.
Kana expressed confidence in the APC’s chances, saying the party remained popular among voters in the constituency.
At Alhaji Budo Polling Unit in Rafin Zuru, APC candidate for the Kebbi South Senatorial District, Muhammad Jafar Gajere, commended voters for participating in the exercise, describing the by-election as significant for the party’s electoral prospects.
“This election is important because it provides an opportunity for the people to reaffirm their confidence in the APC. It also reflects the party’s strength and acceptance ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Salihu Dangoje, also monitored the election, visiting several polling units across the area. He expressed satisfaction with the participation of women voters, particularly at Suffi Polling Unit.
“I am encouraged by the turnout of women voters. Their participation shows growing awareness of the importance of democratic engagement and representation,” he said.
Although turnout remained low in some areas, the exercise was generally peaceful and orderly. In several polling units, voters who had cast their ballots had already left, leaving Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials to await the close of voting for counting and collation of results.
As of the time of filing this report, no major incidents had been recorded, while security agencies continued to monitor the exercise across the constituency.
