By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria — June 5, 2026(Series News Online)- The National Orientation Agency, NOA, Kebbi State Directorate, has intensified its public sensitization campaign ahead of the Zuru State Constituency bye-election scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The State Director of the Agency, Mallam Muhammed Nasir Karofi, on Thursday urged residents of the Zuru constituency to exercise their franchise and elect a credible representative at the Kebbi State House of Assembly.
“This bye-election is a democratic opportunity for the people of Zuru to elect a credible leader who will effectively represent their interests and aspirations,” Mallam Karofi said while addressing stakeholders and community leaders in Birnin Kebbi.
Mallam Karofi said active civic participation remains the cornerstone of robust governance and stressed that voter turnout determines the legitimacy of any elected mandate.
“Your vote is your power, and staying away from the polls only weakens our democratic process,” he said. “We call upon every registered voter in Zuru to come out in large numbers on June 20 to perform their civic duty. A high turnout sends a clear message that the people are engaged and committed to the development of their constituency.”
The NOA Director also warned political actors, youth groups and party supporters against actions capable of disrupting peace in the area. He condemned the use of provocative language, mudslinging and divisive rhetoric during the campaign period.
Mallam Karofi specifically emphasized three key areas: peaceful electioneering, eradication of hate speech and rejection of rancour.
“Conduct your campaigns with mutual respect and strict adherence to the rule of law,” he said. “Shun inflammatory statements that could trigger violence or social unrest. Politics should be viewed as a healthy contest of ideas, not a do-or-die affair.”
He reiterated that the NOA remains committed to its mandate of value re-orientation and citizen mobilization, and assured residents that field officers have been deployed across Zuru constituency to educate voters.
“Our field officers have been deployed across the nooks and crannies of the Zuru constituency,” Mallam Karofi said. “They are educating voters on proper voting procedures, how to avoid void votes, and the need to preserve peace before, during and after the polls.”
The Agency further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organizations in the Zuru Emirate to partner with it in spreading messages of peace and mass participation to ensure a hitch-free bye-election.
“We call on traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organizations to join us in spreading the message of peace and mass participation,” he said. “Together, we can ensure a successful and peaceful bye-election in Zuru.”
Tags
politics