INEC blames Ramadan, small contest for low turnout in Kano by-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has attributed the low voter turnout recorded during Saturday’s by-election in Kano State to the ongoing Ramadan period and the perception that the contest involved only a limited number of candidates.

The Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abdu Zango, made this known while addressing journalists during an on-the-spot assessment of the exercise in Kano Municipal.

Zango described the election as peaceful, insisting that the poll was conducted without violence. He commended residents for what he called orderly conduct throughout the voting process.

“As far as security is concerned, you can see for yourselves, no issue. It’s very unlike Kano,” he said.

“And we really want to appreciate and commend citizens that they have behaved responsibly. No violence. No threat whatsoever. Visible or even invisible. So we are very happy.”

Despite the calm atmosphere, the election witnessed low voter participation across several polling units, a development the electoral body linked to multiple factors.

According to the REC, the timing of the election during Ramadan may have discouraged many voters from coming out to participate.

“First of all, I think the timing. Maybe Ramadan. Second, I think the general feeling is that this is a very small election involving only two candidates. Very few parties. Nine contestants, I think,” Zango said.

He also dismissed concerns surrounding the absence of some opposition parties from the contest, stressing that participation in elections remains the responsibility of political parties and not the commission.

“We have not received any accusation or anything. That they are not participating is entirely the responsibility of the parties. We don’t decide who participates,” he stated.

“Whoever does primary, sends his candidate, uploads it, if you like, satisfies all the necessary guidelines as contained in the Electoral Act, is a candidate.”

“So that decision is for the parties. And I think it’s the parties that will answer that question for you,” Zango added.

INEC maintained that the by-election proceeded smoothly, even as observers noted sparse turnout in many polling locations across the state.