APC Sweeps Kano Municipal And Ungogo Bye-Elections, Consolidates Power In State Assembly

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has claimed victory in the Ungogo and Kano Municipal State Assembly bye-elections held on Saturday in Kano State.

The polls, organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were marked by low voter turnout.

In the Kano Municipal Constituency, APC candidate Aliyu Nabil Daneji secured 7,484 votes, winning the seat in the Kano State House of Assembly. The Returning Officer, Prof. Ibrahim Tajo Siraj, officially declared Daneji elected.

In Ungogo Constituency, APC’s Aminu Sa’ad Sa’ad emerged victorious with 8,975 votes. Prof. Ali Tijjani Abdullahi, who served as Returning Officer for the area, confirmed Sa’ad as duly elected.

Reports indicated that major opposition parties, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), did not participate in the elections.

Voter engagement was generally low, with several polling units recording minimal turnout. Ambassador Abdu Zango, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano State, attributed the low participation to the timing of the elections and limited involvement of political parties.

“First, the timing, perhaps due to Ramadan. Second, this is a very small election with only a few candidates and parties involved,” Zango explained while monitoring the polls.

He described the elections as peaceful and free from violence.

“As far as security is concerned, the situation has been very calm. Citizens conducted themselves responsibly. There was no visible or hidden threat, so we are very satisfied,” he added.

Regarding the absence of some major opposition parties, Zango emphasized that participation is solely the responsibility of the parties themselves.

“INEC does not decide who participates. Parties that conduct valid primaries, submit candidates, and comply with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines are eligible to contest,” he said.