Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and his Deputy, Alhaji Manniru Dan’iya have expressed satisfaction over Saturday’s local government elections in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 political parties fielded candidates in the election conducted by the Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission.
Tambuwal, who cast his vote at exactly 10.54 a.m. at the Veterinary Clinic polling unit 004 in Tambuwal ward ‘A’, urged the electorates to embrace the act of statesmanship.
He advised all candidates to accept the outcome of the poll in good faith and urged winners to redeem their electioneering campaign promises.
He expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of the election and voters turnout, especially women, election workers and security personnel in the exercises.
The governor described the polls as the foundation of democracy as it deepens the process of governance from the grassroots.
Also speaking with newsmen shortly after casting his vote at the Sangame polling unit 002 in Kware ward of Kware Local Government Area, the Deputy Governor, Dan’iya said the processes were made easy for the electorates.
Dan’iya commended the security arrangements, noting that reports indicated that even the people living in areas prone to security challenges were able to exercise their civic rights.
Meanwhile, NAN reports that many residents defied the restriction of movement orders as petrol stations, streets shops and commuters go about their businesses during the council poll.
The election was delayed in some areas visited, commencing at about 9.00 a.m. as against the scheduled 8.00 a.m.
It was observed that election workers were absent NAN observed that as of 8.30 a.m., electoral officials were yet to report at Gawon Nama, Runjin Sambo, Gadar Alu, Dandima, Bello Way, Fodio road, Kanwuri, Kofar Atiku and Kwalkwalawa in Sokoto metropolis.
Malam Maccido Isa, the Presiding Officer of polling unit 005 Kwambero at Kofar Atiku ward of Sokoto south local government area, said they started conducting election at 9.00 a.m.
Some political party agents, Malam Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Ridwan Atiku of Boot party, expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the election.
NAN reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) boycotted the elections on the ground that the processes were not transparent.
NAN