KANO — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has swept the legislative by-elections held in the Ungogo and Kano Municipal State Constituencies, with the sons of the deceased former representatives emerging as the newly elected members of the Kano State House of Assembly.
The polls, conducted on Saturday, February 21, were mandated to fill vacancies created by the sudden passing of Aminu Sa’adu (Ungogo) and Sarki Aliyu Daneji (Kano Municipal) in December 2025.
Landslide Victories Amidst Opposition Absence
According to the official results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC candidates secured overwhelming victories against a fragmented field of minor parties:
- Kano Municipal: Aliyu Nabil Daneji (APC) polled 7,484 votes, crushing his closest rival, Abdullahi Mohammad of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), who received just 31 votes.
- Ungogo: Aminu Sa’ad Sa’ad (APC) secured 8,975 votes, defeating Shua’ibu Hashimu of the ADP, who garnered 54 votes.
The results highlight a dramatic political shift in the state. Both deceased lawmakers were originally members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), but their sons contested under the APC banner following Governor Abba Yusuf’s recent realignment with the ruling party.
Voter Apathy And Critics’ Concerns
While the exercise was generally peaceful, it was defined by historically low voter turnout. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Ambassador Abdu Zango attributed the sparse participation to the coincidence with Ramadan fasting.
However, critics and opposition figures have kicked against the outcome, labeling the election a “one-horse race.” The NNPP, PDP, and ADC shunned the polls, alleging that the process was skewed to favor the APC and noting that their logos were conspicuously missing from the ballot papers.
“This is not a reflection of the people’s will but a coronation of dynastic politics,” remarked one local observer in Ungogo. Despite the backlash, the APC victory strengthens the party’s majority in the state legislature as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
