Our Correspondent
Zuru, Nigeria – June 20, 2026 (Series News Online) -Voting is ongoing Saturday in the Zuru State Constituency by-election across 10 registration areas in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, deployed officials to 200 polling units where 109,492 registered voters are expected to cast ballots for the candidate of their choice.
The exercise, held to fill the vacant seat in the Kebbi State House of Assembly, is largely peaceful. Security personnel have been stationed at all polling locations to ensure order. However, voter apathy and a late start marred the early hours of voting in several units.
Between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., residents of Zuru town were observed going about their normal businesses. Shops and commercial activities remained open as voting progressed.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Mango Waje Polling Unit, the Kebbi State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abubakar Kana Zuru, attributed the slow turnout to early morning hours and weather conditions.
“Voters came out late because of the early morning hours and the rainfall, which delayed the arrival of many voters at polling centres. Despite that, the exercise is progressing smoothly, and voter turnout is encouraging,” Abubakar Kana Zuru said.
He expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious at the end of the poll.
The APC candidate for Kebbi South Senatorial District, Muhammad Jafar Gajere, cast his ballot at Alhaji Budo Polling Unit in Rafin Zuru Community and commended the electorate for participating.
“The electorate have shown commitment by coming out to vote. This by-election is a litmus test of the party’s popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Muhammad Jafar Gajere said.
The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Salihu Dangoje, who is in Zuru to monitor the exercise, expressed satisfaction with the participation of women voters.
“I am satisfied with the turnout of women voters at Suffi Polling Unit in Zuru town. Their participation shows that women are becoming more active in the electoral process,” Salihu Dangoje said.
Our correspondent observed the presence of security personnel at all polling units visited. In several polling units, voters had cast their ballots and returned home, while INEC officials waited for voting to close before commencing counting and collation of results.
Tags
Zuru Bye-Election