Kano By-Election: PDP, NNPP, and ADC Missing From Ballot Papers Amid Low Turnout
In a surprising development during the Kano State House of Assembly by-elections held on Saturday, three major opposition parties: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were conspicuously missing from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ballot papers.
The by-elections were organized to fill two vacant seats in the state assembly following the deaths of two lawmakers last year. Notably, the deceased lawmakers were both members of the NNPP before their passing.
According to reports from The Punch, while the three prominent opposition parties were excluded, nine other political parties were boldly listed on the ballot papers presented to voters.
The unexpected absence of these parties compounded what was already a slow day at the polls. As earlier reported, the by-elections suffered from significant voter apathy across several polling units, particularly in the Kano Municipal Local Government Area.
Despite the early arrival and preparation of INEC officials, who were seen with electoral materials fully arranged by mid-morning, only a handful of voters turned up to cast their ballots.
Many polling units remained largely deserted, with electoral staff patiently waiting for constituents to arrive.
To ensure order and safeguard the electoral process, there was a strong and strategic deployment of security personnel across the polling centers.
Observers noted the heavy security presence, though the anticipated crowds of voters failed to materialize throughout the morning hours.
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