APC Sweeps Ungogo & Kano Municipal Assembly Bye-Elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured victories in the Ungogo and Kano Municipal State Assembly bye-elections conducted on Saturday in Kano State. The elections, overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were marked by low voter turnout across several polling units.

In Kano Municipal Constituency, the APC candidate, Aliyu Nabil Daneji, received 7,484 votes to win the seat in the Kano State House of Assembly. The Returning Officer, Prof. Ibrahim Tajo Siraj, officially declared Daneji elected.

Similarly, in Ungogo Constituency, the APC candidate, Aminu Sa’ad Sa’ad garnered 8,975 votes, securing a decisive victory. Prof. Ali Tijjani Abdullahi, who served as Returning Officer for the area, confirmed Sa’ad’s election.

Reports indicate that major opposition parties, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), did not participate in the elections. Observers noted widespread voter apathy, with low participation attributed in part to the timing of the polls.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano State, Ambassador Abdu Zango, explained that the limited turnout may have been influenced by the timing of the elections and the narrow field of candidates. “First of all, I think the timing, maybe Ramadan. Second, I think the general feeling that this is a very small election involving only two candidates and very few parties. Nine contestants, I think,” he said.

Zango described the elections as generally peaceful and free from violence. “As far as security is concerned, you can see for yourselves, no issue. It’s very unlike Kano. We really want to appreciate and commend citizens that they have behaved responsibly. No violence. No threat whatsoever, visible or even invisible. So we are very happy,” he stated.

He also addressed concerns over the absence of some major opposition parties, noting that INEC had not received formal complaints. “That they are not participating is entirely the responsibility of the parties. We don’t decide who participates. Whoever conducts valid primaries, submits candidates and complies with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines is eligible to contest,” Zango added.

According to Ireporter Online, the APC’s triumph in the two constituencies strengthens its position in the Kano State House of Assembly, despite limited voter engagement.