Saturday’s by-election in Kaduna State was marred by low voter turnout despite the presence of security personnel across affected areas. The elections, organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were held in various state and federal constituencies to fill vacant legislative seats — including the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat left vacant following the death of Labour Party lawmaker, Ekene Adams, on July 16, 2024.
Despite efforts by INEC to ensure early deployment of personnel and materials, voter apathy dominated the day, particularly in Sabon Gari, Zaria, Chikun, and Kajuru Local Government Areas. In these places, polling units were either deserted or experienced minimal voter activity throughout the exercise.
At Yelwa Polling Unit 001 in the busy Television Garage area of Chikun LGA, only a few voters were seen casting their ballots while daily business and transportation activities continued unhindered. This occurred in direct defiance of the movement restriction imposed by the Kaduna State Police Command to enhance security and ensure a peaceful process.
“The Kaduna State Police Command wishes to announce and respectfully inform members of the public that there will be a restriction of movement on Saturday, 16th August 2025, from midnight in the following Local Government Areas: Sabon Gari, Zaria, Chikun, and Kajuru,” the police had stated in a press release.
However, field observations contradicted that directive. In Chikun LGA, commercial motorcyclists and tricycle operators were seen moving freely, while shops and street vendors remained open.
At several polling stations, including LEA Primary School, Chikun, INEC officials were left sitting idly for hours, awaiting voters who never came in significant numbers.
“We came on time for the vote to commence, but you can see for yourself that the voters are not here as expected,” said an INEC ad-hoc staff who spoke anonymously.
Why voters stayed away
Some residents attributed the low turnout to insecurity, fear of violence, and inadequate awareness of the election.
“People are hungry and have decided to stay indoors for fear of attacks. There was also not enough media awareness of the by-election. Many people simply did not know about it,” said Sarah Musa, a resident of the Television Garage area.
A community leader in Kajuru, who requested anonymity, added:
“The government may say security is fine, but ordinary people know the reality in their communities. Many would rather stay at home than risk going out to vote.”
Candidates, officials respond
Despite the poor turnout, the APC candidate, Joseph Bagudu, hailed what he described as “massive turnout” in certain areas, praising the peaceful conduct of the election after voting in Polling Unit 003, Ungwan Madaki, Kanla in Kajuru LGA.
“The conduct of today’s election shows the people’s acceptance of our party and the leadership style of Governor Uba Sani,” he said. “I believe this confidence will not only translate into victory at the polls but also ensure that the APC is returned in the 2027 general elections.”
On the other hand, Hon. Hussaini Mohammed Jalo, the current lawmaker for Chikun Federal Constituency, praised security arrangements during the by-election.
“The security situation is perfect. I’ve been here since yesterday night. This morning we started around 6 a.m., and the situation everywhere I went is excellent,” he said.
Despite such assurances, bandit attacks, kidnappings, and general insecurity remain a significant concern in Chikun and Kajuru, which have been hotspots for violent crimes in recent years. These lingering fears appear to have heavily influenced voter behavior.
