A member of the House of Representatives for Igabi Federal Constituency, Hussaini Mohammed Jalo, on Saturday, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the bye-election in his constituency, noting that voter turnout, though slow initially, was steadily improving.
Speaking with journalists after monitoring the exercise at LEA Primary School, Narayi in Chikun LGA, Jalo said he was optimistic more residents would exercise their franchise before polls close.
“Voters are coming out, but not as expected.
However, we believe that in the next one or two hours, the turnout will improve. So far, so good,” he said.
On security, Jalo commended the agencies for maintaining law and order across polling units.
He revealed that he had been on the ground since Friday night and observed no breach of peace in the areas visited.
“The security situation is perfect. I’ve been here since yesterday night. This morning, we started around 6 am, 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,” he added.
Assessing the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Jalo gave the electoral body a pass mark but suggested an area for improvement.
“The INEC performance is good in all the places I visited. Everything is going smoothly. But one complaint I will make for the future is about the cubicle boxes. Most of them are torn, and I think INEC should improve on that,” he said.
He also urged the electorate in Chikun and across Kaduna State not to be discouraged, stressing that participation in elections remains a civic responsibility and constitutional right.
“My admonition to voters is that they should continue to come out en masse to vote.
“It is their right, their fundamental human right, enshrined in the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
“This is the time for them to elect a person of their choice to represent them at the Federal House of Representatives,” Jalo stated.
The Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency is among the areas where INEC scheduled bye-elections following the declaration of some seats vacant.
The exercise is being conducted under tight security after weeks of political tension and accusations among the leading parties.
