By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The recent local council elections in Kano, held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, witnessed a dismal turnout, raising concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. Reports indicated a troubling prevalence of underage voting, with young children observed casting ballots at numerous polling units.
Our correspondent visited several polling locations in Bichi, Dawakin Tofa, Ungogo, and Kano Municipal local government areas and noted that the participation of women in the electoral process had significantly declined compared to previous elections. This decline suggests widespread disillusionment with the current electoral system.
Speaking to *Daybreak News* at the Tashar Ice polling unit, Hadiza Musa expressed frustration with the electoral process. “People are tired of how the elections are being held in Nigeria today,” she said, emphasizing that democracy seems absent when only government-endorsed candidates secure victories.
Similarly, Malam Abdullahi Abba from Bichi lamented, “We are tired of going to polling units because we are not allowed to elect our candidates, which is a slap to democracy.” He urged the current administration to implement reforms that would restore the electoral process, ensuring that competent individuals are elected to various positions for the advancement of democratic governance.
Despite the challenges, the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) secured victories in all 44 local councils and councilor positions, with the elected officials being sworn in on Sunday, as directed by the Kano state government.
