Despite strict security, the Kaduna State bye-election on Saturday was marred by poor voter participation; polling places in the Sabon Gari, Zaria, Chikun, and Kajuru local councils barely saw a stream of voters during the process.
Elections were held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after vacancies in a few state and federal seats were announced.
However, The Intercept found that many individuals did not turn up to exercise their right to vote, even when authorities and materials arrived early.
According to our correspondent, who followed the exercise across the Chikun Local Government Area, a number of voting places were empty for the most of the morning and early afternoon.
Just a few voters were observed casting votes at the well-known Television Garage location, which includes Yelwa Polling Unit 001, although traffic and commercial operations continued as usual.
This stood in stark contrast to the Kaduna State Police Command’s edict restricting movement before to the elections. In order to guarantee peaceful behaviour, the command declared on Friday that mobility will be limited in the four concerned local government districts starting at midnight on election day, through DSP Mansir Hassan, its public relations officer.
“The Kaduna State Police Command wishes to announce and respectfully inform members of the public that there will be a restriction of movement on Saturday, 16th August 2025, from midnight in the following Local Government Areas: Sabon Gari, Zaria, Chikun, and Kajuru,” the statement read.
However, observations across major streets and polling locations in Chikun LGA indicated free movement of vehicles and residents going about their day-to-day activities. Commercial motorcyclists and tricycles operated freely despite the ban.
An INEC ad-hoc official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment at the poor turnout.
“We came on time for the vote to commence, but you can see for yourself that the voters are not here as expected,” the official said.
For Sarah Musa, a voter in Chikun (Television Garage), the reasons for the apathy were not far-fetched.
“People are hungry and have decided to stay indoors for fear of attacks. There was also not enough media awareness of the by-election. Many people simply did not know about it,” she said.
By midday, INEC officials deployed to the LEA Primary School polling unit in Chikun were seen sitting idly outside the classrooms, waiting for voters who never turned up in significant numbers.
The low turnout came despite assurances of safety from security agencies and candidates. Hon. Hussaini Mohammed Jalo, the lawmaker representing Chikun Federal Constituency, told journalists during the exercise that security arrangements were excellent.
“The security situation is perfect. I’ve been here since yesterday night. This morning we started around 6 a.m., and the situation everywhere I went is excellent. Security agents are doing very well. Everywhere is calm and the election is going on perfectly well,” Jalo said.
Yet, many residents interviewed by The Intercept remained unconvinced, citing fears of possible violence or reprisal attacks. Kaduna has been one of the epicentres of banditry and communal clashes in recent years, with Chikun and Kajuru particularly affected by kidnappings and killings.
“The government may say security is fine, but ordinary people know the reality in their communities. Many would rather stay at home than risk going out to vote,” a community leader in Kajuru, who requested anonymity, remarked.
