The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria has reported a notably low voter turnout during the recent by-election in Kano State, attributing this trend primarily to the coinciding Ramadan period, in addition to public sentiment regarding the lack of competitive candidates in the electoral race. The remarks came from Abdu Zango, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano, during a media briefing after a direct inspection of the electoral process. He confirmed the peaceful nature of the election, expressing satisfaction with the orderly behavior of the residents during this event.

In his assessment, Zango highlighted that the election proceeded without incidences of violence or security threats, which has been a concern in previous electoral events within the region. He expressed appreciation for the community's responsible conduct and noted that such peaceful elections could serve as a model for future voting exercises. The Commissioner emphasized that the success of the election was notable considering Kano's troubled past with political unrest.

Zango also outlined that multiple factors contributed to the low turnout, particularly the timing of the election during Ramadan, which may have affected voter mobilization. He indicated that public perception regarding the competitive nature of the candidates involved might have further dissuaded participation, suggesting that people perhaps felt that the race did not warrant significant engagement. This analysis points to ongoing challenges in electoral participation in Nigeria, raising questions about voter engagement strategies during religious observances and amid perceptions of electoral competitiveness.