The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set Saturday, April 15 to hold outstanding governorship and legislative supplementary elections. Governorship supplementary elections will hold in Adamawa and Kebbi States, while legislative supplementary elections into will hold in 5 Senatorial Districts, 31 Federal Constituencies and in 58 State Assembly Constituencies.
It will be recalled that the March 18 Adamawa State governorship election keenly contested by the two leading candidates, incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Aisha Binani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared inconclusive. There was a similar situation in Kebbi State with Nasiru Idris of the APC and Aminu Bande of the PDP as the main contenders.
The 2023 general elections were a let-down, with the disappointment from the Presidential and National Assembly elections contributing to low voter turnout in the State level elections. There are still feelings of despondency among citizens, which may affect the turnout of voters for the supplementary polls. However, it is important for INEC and the Police to ensure that election logistics, election security and the conduct of the supplementary elections meet citizens’ expectations.