Yusuf hails peaceful Kano bye-elections, pledges sustained electoral reforms

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for the calm and orderly conduct of the House of Assembly bye-elections held in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies, describing the exercise as a turning point in the state’s democratic history.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor said the peaceful atmosphere recorded across polling units reflected improved political maturity among the electorate and the effectiveness of the security architecture deployed for the exercise.

He noted that the absence of violence and electoral malpractice signalled a departure from previous elections in the state, adding that the development aligns with his administration’s governance blueprint. “For the first time in recent history, Kano witnessed an election devoid of crisis, weapons and manipulation. The era of killing, maiming and disenfranchising voters is over,” the governor said.

Yusuf specifically praised residents of the two affected constituencies for their orderly conduct and commitment to a peaceful process, stressing that their cooperation contributed significantly to the success of the poll.

He also lauded political parties and key stakeholders for adhering to electoral guidelines, with particular reference to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as their restraint and respect for the rules.

The governor said the outcome of the exercise demonstrates that Kano is ready for issue-based politics driven by dialogue, tolerance and respect for democratic values rather than confrontation.

He further assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property, regardless of political or religious affiliations, while strengthening collaboration with electoral and security institutions to sustain credible and violence-free elections in the future.

The bye-election was conducted to fill the vacancies in the Kano State House of Assembly following the death of the lawmakers who previously represented the two constituencies.

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