Three major opposition parties — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — are reportedly absent from the ballot papers for Saturday’s Kano State House of Assembly by-election, according to Arise News.
The by-election is being held to fill two vacant seats in the state assembly following the deaths of the former lawmakers last year. The deceased legislators were members of the NNPP before their passing.
Arise News reported that “three major opposition political parties are missing on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ballot for the by-election holding today in Kano,” noting that nine other political parties were listed, excluding the PDP, NNPP, and ADC.
The exercise has also witnessed low voter turnout in several polling units across Kano Municipal Local Government Area, despite the early arrival of INEC officials. As of mid-morning, many polling units reportedly had only a small number of voters, with officials seated and ready, awaiting more constituents.
Security personnel were strategically deployed across the area to maintain order and protect voters as well as electoral staff. Observers noted a strong security presence, even as many polling units had only a few voters on ground. Electoral materials were arranged, and INEC officials remained on standby, waiting for additional voters to arrive.