APC Emerges Victorious in Kano State Assembly Bye-Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially declared the ruling All Progressives Congress as the winner of both the Kano Municipal and Ungogo State House of Assembly bye-elections conducted on Saturday, February 21. These elections represent significant political developments in Kano State and serve as an important testing ground for Nigeria's electoral processes.
Kano Municipal Constituency Results
In the Kano Municipal Constituency election, Aliyu Nabil Daneji, the APC candidate, secured a decisive victory with 7,484 votes. Professor Ibrahim Tajo Siraj, the INEC returning officer for this constituency, formally announced the results and declared Daneji duly elected to represent the constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly.
Ungogo Constituency Outcome
The APC achieved another victory in the Ungogo Constituency, where their candidate Aminu Sa'ad Sa'ad claimed the seat with an impressive 8,975 votes. Professor Ali Tijjani Abdullahi, serving as the INEC returning officer for this constituency, officially declared Sa'ad as the winner and returned him elected to the state assembly.
Notable Absences on the Ballot
It is important to note that major opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and African Democratic Congress were conspicuously absent from the ballot papers. This absence significantly impacted the competitive landscape of these bye-elections and contributed to the APC's dominant performance.
Historical Context and Significance
These bye-elections hold particular historical significance as they represent some of the first electoral contests conducted under the recently signed Electoral Act 2026. Political analysts and observers are closely monitoring these elections as they provide valuable insights into the implementation of the new electoral framework ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
The electoral contests attracted participation from no fewer than nine political parties across both the Ungogo and Kano Municipal State Assembly constituencies. These seats became vacant following the unfortunate passing of the previous lawmakers representing these constituencies, namely Aminu Sa'ad and Sarki Aliyu Daneji.
Presidential Endorsement and Security Measures
President Bola Tinubu made a significant intervention ahead of the elections, calling upon voters, security agencies, and INEC officials to conduct themselves in an orderly and professional manner throughout the electoral process. This presidential endorsement emphasized the importance of peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria's democratic development.
The successful conduct of these bye-elections demonstrates the continued evolution of Nigeria's electoral system and provides important benchmarks for future electoral contests under the new legal framework established by the Electoral Act 2026.
