INEC Ballot Excludes PDP, NNPP, ADC in Kano Poll.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline | February 21, 2026.
KANO — In a development that has stirred political debate across Kano State, three major opposition parties — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) — are conspicuously absent from the ballot papers for Saturday’s State House of Assembly by-election.
The by-election, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is aimed at filling two vacant seats in the Kano State House of Assembly following the deaths of the former lawmakers last year. The late legislators, both members of the NNPP before their demise, had represented constituencies within Kano Municipal Local Government Area.
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According to a report by Arise News, nine political parties are listed on the ballot papers for the exercise — but notably exclude the PDP, NNPP, and ADC, widely regarded as major opposition platforms in the state’s political landscape.
The absence of the parties has raised questions among voters and political observers, many of whom described the development as unprecedented in recent electoral history in Kano.
While INEC has yet to issue a comprehensive public explanation detailing the circumstances surrounding the omission, sources familiar with electoral procedures suggest that issues relating to candidate nomination processes and compliance with electoral guidelines may have played a role.
Under Nigeria’s electoral framework, political parties are required to submit candidates within stipulated timelines and meet documentation and verification standards set by INEC. Failure to comply can result in exclusion from the ballot. However, as of press time, official clarification on whether procedural lapses or legal disputes informed the omission was still being awaited.
Meanwhile, early reports from Kano Times indicate that the by-election witnessed low voter turnout across several polling units in Kano Municipal Local Government Area.
As of mid-morning, many polling stations had only a handful of voters present. INEC officials were observed seated and fully prepared, with sensitive and non-sensitive materials arranged neatly, patiently awaiting the arrival of more constituents. In several units visited by correspondents, voting cubicles stood ready, ballot boxes sealed, and accreditation desks set up — but without the usual bustle associated with competitive elections.
Political analysts attribute the low turnout to a combination of factors, including voter apathy, possible confusion over the absence of prominent parties on the ballot, and broader concerns about economic pressures that may have kept residents away from polling units.
Security personnel were strategically deployed across the affected constituencies to maintain order and ensure the safety of voters and electoral staff. Observers noted a strong presence of uniformed officers stationed at key junctions and polling centers. Despite the heavy security arrangement, the atmosphere in most areas remained calm and orderly.
Residents interviewed at various locations expressed mixed reactions. Some said they were unaware that certain major parties would not appear on the ballot until arriving at their polling units. Others questioned whether the reduced political competition had dampened enthusiasm among supporters.
The by-election carries significant political weight in Kano, a state known for its vibrant and often fiercely contested electoral contests. Control of assembly seats can influence legislative dynamics, oversight functions, and the balance of power within the state government.
Analysts suggest that the outcome of the poll — particularly in the absence of key opposition parties — may reshape alliances and recalibrate political strategies ahead of future elections. The NNPP, which previously held the vacant seats, commands a substantial grassroots base in Kano, making its absence especially noteworthy.
As voting continued into the afternoon, attention turned to voter participation figures and eventual results, which may provide further insight into the electorate’s mood.
INEC officials maintained that the process was proceeding smoothly, emphasizing adherence to electoral guidelines and commitment to transparency. Final results are expected to be announced following collation at designated centers.
For now, the Kano by-election stands as a test not only of electoral administration but also of public confidence in democratic processes — in a state where politics remains both a passion and a powerful force shaping civic life.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 22ND 2026)
