By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s by-elections in Kano State are underway today amid an unexpected twist: three major opposition parties are absent from the ballot papers.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) are notably missing from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ballot, leaving voters without some of the country’s key political options.
The by-election, which seeks to fill two vacant seats in the Kano State House of Assembly, became necessary following the deaths of the former lawmakers last year. Both of the late lawmakers were members of the NNPP prior to their passing.
Nine other political parties are listed on the ballot, excluding the PDP, NNPP, and ADC. The absence of these major opposition parties has raised concerns among political analysts about the competitiveness of the elections and the potential impact on voter turnout.
INEC officials, however, maintain that the elections will proceed as scheduled, urging voters to participate and exercise their democratic rights despite the exclusions.
Political observers warn that today’s vote could redefine Kano’s political landscape, with the absence of traditional opposition forces creating opportunities for smaller parties to make inroads.
