Gombe By-Election: Residents Commend Peaceful Voting as INEC Raises Low Turnout Concern

Residents of Gombe metropolis have expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the ongoing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election.

The voters also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for making adequate arrangements to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, several voters said the exercise had been peaceful and well organised.

A voter, Buhari Ibrahim, who is a person living with a disability, praised the professionalism of the electoral and security officials. He said the voting process was seamless and that he did not experience discrimination because of his disability.

Another voter, Dalhatu Boderi, described the exercise as successful and hitch-free, noting that the atmosphere at his polling unit was peaceful and turnout appeared encouraging.

Maryam Salisu, a voter at the Yakub Hassan Polling Unit, said the peaceful atmosphere encouraged her to participate in the election. She urged INEC and security agencies to maintain the same standard during the 2027 general elections to encourage more women to vote.

Another voter, Zaliha Garba, said women were increasingly recognising their role in the electoral process and participating more actively.

However, INEC National Commissioner for the North-East, Rear Admiral Jamila Mailafa (retd.), expressed concern over the low voter turnout observed at several polling units.

Mailafa said the voting process was generally seamless and peaceful, while the electoral officers and BVAS machines were functioning as expected.

According to her, although voting commenced at 8:30 a.m., only a small number of voters were present at many of the polling units she visited.

She, however, noted that more voters were beginning to arrive at some polling stations as the exercise progressed.

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