Low voter turnout characterized the local government elections in Zamfara State on Saturday, as residents across the 14 local government areas largely went about their daily activities, showing little interest in the polls.
The elections, organized by the Zamfara Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC), aimed to elect new local government chairmen and councillors.
However, the exercise was marked by widespread apathy, with polling units recording minimal attendance.
In Gusau, the state capital, many shops remained open, and residents prioritized their businesses over voting. Observers attributed the low voter engagement to insufficient awareness and mobilization efforts by the state electoral commission.
“It is normal I opened my shop, I am not aware of any election going on today, how can I go and vote, I have not even heard on any radio or newspaper about the election up until now,” said, Abubakar Abubakar, a shop owner
Despite the low voter turnout, the Zamfara State local government election proceeded without any security incidents.
Election observers praised the state government for ensuring a smooth and secure electoral process. They attributed the peaceful conduct of the polls to the dedication of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration to upholding law and order.
Governor Lawal, accompanied by his wife, Hurriya Dauda Lawal, cast their votes at Polling Unit 012, Madawaki, under Galadima Ward in Gusau, the state capital.
Speaking with journalists, the governor lauded the peaceful nature of the election and urged residents to continue maintaining an orderly demeanor throughout the process.
“So far so good, what I have seen when I came in everything was orderly and is still very orderly, I have cast my vote and my wife has cast her vote too, so we are good to go,” he said.
I am always an advocate of peaceful election and I will still appeal to everyone to be peaceful so that this process will go smoothly.”
On the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) not fielding any candidates in the election, Governor Lawal said “This is an election and it is free for every political parties, those that did not participate it is their choice.”
“11 out of the 18 registered political parties in the state, excluding the All Progressives Congress (APC) are contesting for 14 local government Chairmanship positions and 147 councillors positions in the state
The Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC) is expected to announce the official results after the conclusion of the voting process.