Voting in the Khana Constituency 2 bye-election has ended, with final results now being awaited at the collation centre in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area.
The poll, conducted across 16 polling units, recorded generally low voter turnout. However, a relatively higher number of voters was observed at the polling unit of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate compared with other units monitored.
In a dramatic twist, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly left Polling Unit 13 for the collation centre without counting votes at the unit, raising concerns among observers.
The restriction of movement order was largely ignored in parts of the constituency, as markets and small businesses remained open during voting hours, Channel TV reported.
Despite the low turnout, some voters and candidates described the process as peaceful, free and fair.
Two major opposition parties were absent from the ballot. The parties listed included Action Alliance (AA), All Progressives Congress (APC), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Ahead of the exercise, Siminalayi Fubara called on residents to participate fully in the bye-election.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, the governor urged eligible voters in Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas to turn out en masse and support APC candidates contesting the vacant seats in the State House of Assembly.
He described the election as a “family affair” and urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
INEC is also conducting elections across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II in Rivers State, as well as in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
Attention now shifts to the collation centre in Bori as stakeholders await the official declaration of results.
