Kano LG poll records average turnout amid police absence

Despite non-participation of police and other federal security outfits in the local government election in Kano on Saturday, the exercise witnessed an average turnout of voters was largely peaceful. Our correspondent observed that even though election started on time at Tarauni PHC polling centre which houses three polling units, there was generally low turnout of […]

Despite non-participation of police and other federal security outfits in the local government election in Kano on Saturday, the exercise witnessed an average turnout of voters was largely peaceful.

Our correspondent observed that even though election started on time at Tarauni PHC polling centre which houses three polling units, there was generally low turnout of voters.

However, at the Gandun Albasa Special Primary school where there are 21 polling units, many voters were seen in queues waiting for their turn to cast their votes.

Our correspondent observed that in some polling units, voting ended as early as 10am as election materials arrived very early.

At places like Tudunwada, Rimin Gado, Gwale, Municipal, Bichi and other places, the election was peaceful with voters coming out early to cast their votes.

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A cross section of voters, who spoke to Daily Trust, expressed happiness over the peaceful conduct of residents.

“Many people anticipated crisis during the election but thank God it’s peaceful,” one of the voters said.

Another voter said he was excited the election was generally peaceful as many residents complied with the order on restriction of movement.

Also speaking, a presiding officer at Polling Unit 002, Gandun Albasa, Tajuddeen Uba, said voting commenced some minutes after 8:00am and voters cast their votes in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Voting ended in Sabon Gari East area of Fagge Local Government—an area dominated by Christians from the eastern and southern parts of the country—very early.

During a visit to Ado Bayero Square, one of the largest polling stations covering nine polling units, it was discovered that the officials had closed by 11:53am.

According to an official, they started as early as 8am, adding the voters’ turnout was moderate.

At Kawaji Special Primary School where there are 22 polling units, there was a fair turnout of voters. Voting ended there around 12pm.

Meanwhile, the Kano Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) is expected to announce the results soon as candidates contesting the councillorship and chairmanship positions await their fate.

The election which was contested by six political parties appeared to have no strong contenders from opposition as the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), did not participate in the exercise