Hussaini Mohammed Jalo, a member of the House of Representatives for Chikun Federal Constituency, expressed pleasure with the bye-election in his constituency in Kaduna state on Saturday, adding that voter turnout, while initially low, was progressively increasing.
Speaking with journalists after overseeing the exercise at LEA Primary School, Narayi in Chikun LGA, Kaduna state, Jalo expressed optimism that more citizens would exercise their franchise before the polls closed.
“Voters are coming out, but not as expected.”
However, we expect the turnout will improve during the next one or two hours. “So far, so good,” he stated.
Regarding security, Jalo praised the agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the polling stations.
He disclosed that he had been on the ground since Friday night and seen no signs of unrest in the locations he visited.
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“The security situation is perfect. I’ve been here since yesterday night. This morning, we started around 6 am, 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,” he added.
Jalo gave the Independent National Electoral Commission a pass score but identified areas for improvement.
“The INEC performance is good in all the places I visited. Everything is going smoothly. But one complaint I will make for the future is about the cubicle boxes. Most of them are torn, and I think INEC should improve on that,” he said.
He also urged the electorate in Chikun and throughout Kaduna State not to be disheartened, emphasising that voting remains a civic responsibility and constitutional right.
“My admonition to voters is that they should continue to come out en masse to vote.
“It is their right, their fundamental human right, enshrined in the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
“This is the time for them to elect a person of their choice to represent them at the Federal House of Representatives,” Jalo stated.
The Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency is among the regions where INEC scheduled bye-elections following the declaration of some seats vacant.
The process is being conducted under strict security after weeks of political tension and allegations among the leading parties.
