Domestic election observers have described last Saturday’s bye-election in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and Basawa Kewaye State Constituency in Kaduna State as largely credible and transparent, even as they expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded across several polling units.
The observers, under the platform of the Advocacy for Sustainable Development Initiative, assessed during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The group said the exercise, which covered 36 wards and 1,165 polling units, reflected the will of the electorate and demonstrated the growing capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible polls.
Presenting the findings, ASDI leader Abdul Rasheed Shuaib explained that polling units generally opened as scheduled, with both sensitive and non-sensitive materials arriving on time in most locations.
“Our observers reported that election materials and officials were deployed early. The process in many polling units began at the official time, which is commendable. The Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned effectively and played a key role in curbing irregularities,” Shuaib said.
He further noted that security agencies maintained strong visibility throughout the exercise, ensuring law and order were not compromised.
Despite the smooth conduct, Shuaib lamented that the elections were characterised by low enthusiasm among the electorate in many areas.
“While turnout was moderate in some polling units, there was noticeable voter apathy in several others. This underscores the urgent need for sustained civic and voter education to boost citizens’ confidence in the electoral process,” he stated.
According to him, democracy thrives on participation, and without improved sensitisation, elections may continue to record poor turnout, undermining representation.
The observers also confirmed the arrest of one opposition party member, Shehu Aliyu Patangi, who was allegedly apprehended with a huge sum of money suspected to be for vote buying.
Shuaib disclosed that the suspect confessed to the offence and was currently being investigated by the police.
“We commend security agencies for their vigilance. Vote buying undermines democracy, and such arrests send a strong signal that the menace will not be tolerated,” he said.
The observers applauded INEC for what they described as the “early and efficient deployment of personnel and logistics”.
Shuaib particularly praised the use of the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), saying it enhanced transparency and built trust among stakeholders.
“The IReV platform gave stakeholders the opportunity to monitor the process in real time. This level of transparency is encouraging and should be sustained in future elections,” he added.
On security, ASDI gave credit to the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their professionalism and coordination during the exercise.
“There was no report of widespread violence. Security agencies were civil in their conduct and yet firm in ensuring orderliness. Their presence helped to reassure voters and observers,” Shuaib explained.
