Saturday’s bye-election in Kaduna State was overshadowed by low voter turnout despite tight security, with polling units in Sabon Gari, Zaria, Chikun, and Kajuru local councils recording only a trickle of voters throughout the exercise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the elections following the declaration of vacancies in some state and federal constituencies.
But findings by The PUNCH revealed that despite the early arrival of officials and materials, many residents failed to show up to exercise their franchise.
Our correspondent, who monitored the exercise across parts of Chikun Local Government Area, reported that several polling centres appeared deserted for much of the morning and early afternoon.
At the popular Television Garage area, including Yelwa Polling Unit 001, only a handful of voters were seen casting their ballots while business and vehicular activities went on unhindered.
This was in sharp contrast to the restriction of movement order issued by the Kaduna State Police Command ahead of the polls. The command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, had announced on Friday that movement would be restricted from midnight on election day in the four affected local government areas to ensure peaceful conduct.
“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 statement read.
However, observations across major streets and polling locations in Chikun LGA indicated free movement of vehicles and residents going about their day-to-day activities. Commercial motorcyclists and tricycles operated freely despite the ban.
An INEC ad-hoc official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment at the poor turnout.
“We came on time for the vote to commence, but you can see for yourself that the voters are not here as expected,” the official said.
For Sarah Musa, a voter in Chikun (Television Garage), the reasons for the apathy were not far-fetched.
“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,” she said.
By midday, INEC officials deployed to the LEA Primary School polling unit in Chikun were seen sitting idly outside the classrooms, waiting for voters who never turned up in significant numbers.
The low turnout came despite assurances of safety from security agencies and candidates. Hon. Hussaini Mohammed Jalo, the lawmaker representing Chikun Federal Constituency, told journalists during the exercise that security arrangements were excellent.
“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. Security agents are doing very well. Everywhere is calm and the election is going on perfectly well,” Jalo said.
Yet, many residents interviewed by The PUNCH remained unconvinced, citing fears of possible violence or reprisal attacks. Kaduna has been one of the epicentres of banditry and communal clashes in recent years, with Chikun and Kajuru particularly affected by kidnappings and killings.
“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,” a community leader in Kajuru, who requested anonymity, remarked.
