The Kaduna by-election held on Saturday in Sabon-Tasha, Narayi, and Maraban Rido witnessed a low turnout of voters in the Chikun Local Government Area. However, areas like Makera and Barnanwa in Kaduna South LGA reported an impressive voter turnout, accompanied by allegations of vote-buying.
Accreditation and voting began around 9:15 am at various polling units, including Kakuri Hausa Gora Street and Kakuri Hausa ward. Despite initial hiccups with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, voting proceeded smoothly after the issue was resolved.
However, allegations of vote-buying surfaced at the Barnawa Market Polling Unit. Party agents claimed that votes were being purchased for amounts ranging from N10,000 to N15,000. A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Veronica Okuna, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, emphasizing the need for vigilance by anti-corruption agencies.
Yusuf Abubakar, another PDP agent, corroborated the claims of vote-buying, expressing disappointment and stating that such practices could jeopardize the democratic process. In contrast, the All Progressives Congress (APC) agent, Aminu Yakubu, denied the allegations, asserting that the party’s supporters were present in large numbers and emphasizing the importance of peace for national development.
Despite the concerns raised by party agents, security personnel from various agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, were present to ensure a smooth and peaceful election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled the by-election as part of supplementary elections in 44 constituencies across the country. The elections in Kaduna covered seven Local Government Areas, with 1,114 polling units and an estimated 639,914 registered voters who collected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
