Voters in the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State have expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Saturday’s by-election.
Residents interviewed in both Babura and Garki described the process as peaceful and credible, commending the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies for their efficiency.
Reports from Kofar Arewa, Babura, indicated that voting commenced as early as 7:30 a.m. across polling units, while at Islamiyya Primary School, Garki, election officials arrived by 7:00 a.m. to begin accreditation.
Radio Nigeria gathered that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defeated the All Progressives Congress, APC, at polling unit 001 in Babura Kofar Arewa Primary School, where the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, cast his vote. The ruling APC polled 112 votes, while PDP secured 308.
The Defence Minister, who is also the immediate past governor of Jigawa, exercised his franchise but declined to speak to journalists.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, applauded the orderly conduct of the election at Primary Yamma 005 polling unit and expressed confidence in her party’s chances.
Security was heightened across the constituency, with personnel of the police, civil defence, immigration, and other agencies deployed to ensure law and order.
Despite the polls, commercial activities continued in parts of the constituency, even as turnout was generally impressive across Babura and Garki local government areas.
COV/USMAN MZ
