RismadarVoice Reporters, February 21, 2026
The Kano State House of Assembly bye-elections held on Saturday recorded low voter turnout in several polling units across Kano Municipal Local Government Area, despite the early arrival of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
As of mid-morning, many polling units had only a handful of voters present, while INEC officials were seated, fully prepared, awaiting more constituents to cast their ballots.
Checks at various polling centres showed electoral materials neatly arranged, with officials patiently waiting as sparse numbers of voters trickled in.
Observers, however, noted a strong presence of security personnel deployed across the area.
Armed officers were stationed strategically around polling units to maintain order and safeguard voters as well as electoral staff.
A resident, Alhaji Abdullahi Isa, expressed surprise at the low turnout but commended security agencies for their professionalism and visible presence.
Similarly, Audu Musa, who voted at the Kankarofi Polling Unit, described the voting process as smooth and peaceful, though he lamented the low participation of eligible voters.
Electoral officials remained optimistic that voter turnout could improve as the day progressed, while stakeholders expressed hope for a peaceful, transparent, and credible exercise.
