Low voter turnout has marred the conduct of Zamfara State’s local government elections, held on Saturday across the state’s fourteen local governments. Despite the polls, many residents continued their regular activities, with minimal participation in the electoral process.
The elections, organised by the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC), aimed to elect new local government chairmen and councillors, but were marked by a noticeable lack of enthusiasm from the electorate. This resulted in sparse attendance at polling units, with many opting to carry on with their daily routines rather than cast their votes.
In Gusau, the state capital, many shops remained open, and residents appeared indifferent to the elections. “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.
The low turnout was partly attributed to inadequate awareness and mobilisation efforts by ZASIEC.
Despite the limited participation, the election proceeded without any security incidents. Election observers praised the state government for ensuring a smooth and secure process, attributing the peaceful atmosphere to Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
Governor Lawal and his wife, Hurriya Dauda Lawal, cast their votes at polling unit 012 Madawaki under Galadima ward in Gusau. Speaking to journalists, the governor commended the orderly conduct of the election. “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 elections, and I will still appeal to everyone to be peaceful so that this process will go smoothly.”
In the absence of candidates from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Lawal remarked, “This is an election, and it is free for every political party. Those that did not participate, it is their choice.”
In total, 11 out of the 18 registered political parties in the state, excluding the APC, are contesting for 14 local government chairmanship positions and 147 councillor seats. The Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC) is expected to announce the official results once the voting process is concluded.
