Large Turnout Recorded in Nasarawa North Senatorial Bye-Election
By Aliyu Muraki, Lafiya
…Peaceful Voting Despite Early BVAS Glitches
The Nasarawa North Senatorial bye-election commenced Saturday with a large voter turnout and a peaceful atmosphere across three local government areas, despite some logistical delays.
Electorates turned out en masse in Akwanga, Wamba, and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas to cast their votes, with key stakeholders expressing confidence in the process managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Speaking at Polling Unit 018 in Alizaga Ward of Nasarawa Eggon, All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain Isiaka Abdullahi commended the electoral umpire for proper organization.
He acknowledged that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, experienced brief technical glitches early on, but noted that the issues were quickly resolved, allowing voters to exercise their civic duties.
“So far, so good. INEC has done well. All the election officials are here, things are in order, and our BVAS is working perfectly now. It’s very peaceful. People are happy and actively guarding their votes to ensure their choices are protected. There is a sense of orderliness in the air,” Isiaka stated.
He also commended security agencies and journalists for fostering what he described as a calm and enjoyable atmosphere around the democratic process.
Also speaking, APC senatorial candidate Alhaji Halilu Envulanza rated INEC’s performance high despite a slight delay in moving voting materials to polling units.
“Materials were distributed yesterday, and though they were a bit late, they were successfully moved to the polling units this morning. There haven’t been any major complaints. So far, I rate INEC 90 percent. They are doing extremely well in Nasarawa State,” Envulanza said.
He expressed confidence in securing victory, citing his history of humanitarian service across the 35 wards of the senatorial district.
“This election is about my scorecard compared to others. The name ‘DHE’ is a household name here. All my life, I have been rendering service to humanity, and that speaks volumes. During our campaign tours, electorates in every ward came out to give testimonies of how I have impacted their lives,” he added.
He urged supporters and the wider electorate to maintain peace and proceed to collation centers, while advising voters to remain at polling units to witness sorting and counting of ballots.
