The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has attributed the low voter turnout during Saturday’s by-election in Kano State to the ongoing Muslim Ramadan fast and the perception that the contest involved only a few candidates.

Kano State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abdu Zango, made the disclosure while speaking to journalists during an on-the-ground assessment of the elections in Kano Municipal area.

Zango explained that multiple factors contributed to the low participation, stating:

“First of all, I think the timing. Maybe Ramadan. Second, I think the general feeling is that this is a very small election involving only a few candidates. Very few parties. Nine contestants, I think.”

On the absence of opposition parties, Zango clarified that the decision to participate in elections lies entirely with the parties themselves:

“We don’t decide who participates. Whoever conducts the primaries, sends in their candidate, uploads the details, and meets all the guidelines under the Electoral Act qualifies as a candidate. That decision rests with the parties, and they can answer that question.”

He further commended residents for ensuring that the exercise remained peaceful and violence-free across all constituencies, describing the conduct of the polls as commendable.