INEC labels two Gombe LGAs high-risk for Saturday by-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that six political parties will contest the forthcoming Kano State House of Assembly by-election in Dawakin Kudu Constituency on Saturday. This development was confirmed by Abdu Zango, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano, following a meeting with security agency heads at the Kano State Police Command.

Zango informed that INEC plans to deploy 1,500 ad hoc staff across 303 polling units for the election. He assured that non-sensitive materials have already been distributed, while sensitive materials will arrive on Wednesday. Zango emphasized that every election presents a learning opportunity, and INEC aims to improve upon the previous election held in Dawakin Kudu, which was characterized as free, fair, credible, and peaceful.

The state's Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, also spoke on the matter, stating that the deployment of personnel would commence on Thursday. He expressed confidence in the electoral process, declaring that it would be peaceful, fair, and free. Bakori reiterated the readiness of the authorities to ensure a smooth electoral exercise, acknowledging the potential for improvement from previous electoral processes.

Dawakin Kudu Constituency, which saw the seat become vacant due to a member's transfer to the House of Representatives, has a registered voter base of 162,445. Out of these, 148,971 Permanent Voter Cards have been collected, representing a commendable collection rate of 91.7%.