Nasarawa North: Governor Sule Votes, Describes Bye-election As Smoothest Ever

Governor Abdullahi Sule commends INEC’s preparedness as he votes in Nasarawa North bye-election, describing the process as fast and seamless.

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has described the ongoing Nasarawa North Senatorial bye-election as the smoothest and fastest he has ever experienced as a voter, appreciating the early arrival of materials and the high level of preparedness shown by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Sule made this known on Saturday after casting his vote at Polling Unit 002, Gudi Motor Park, alongside his wives, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule and Hajiya Farida Abdullahi Sule.

Speaking to journalists immediately after voting, the Governor said the entire process, from the moment he was captured by the card reader to the point he thumb-printed and cast his ballot, took barely three to five minutes.

He said this was historic, noting that it was the fastest he had ever witnessed in any election.

He, however, disclosed that election materials arrived in Gudi as early as 8 o’clock, which allowed voting to start between 8:15 and 8:30.

The Governor said he received this information even before he left for the polling unit, an indication, according to him, that this was one of the earliest and best planned elections held in the state.

According to him, “As a citizen of Nasarawa State and a registered voter, I have just exercised my right by voting for my choice.”

On voter turnout, Governor Sule said Nigerians are generally used to coming out late to vote, adding that some residents in the villages had gone to their farms early, hoping to return around midday to cast their votes.

He, however, said reports reaching him from Akwanga, Andaha, Nunku, Ajaga, Ancho and other areas indicated a wonderful turnout, noting that Wamba also recorded a very good turnout.

He explained that the seemingly low number of voters seen at the Gudi polling unit at the time of his arrival was because a lot of people had already voted as early as 8 a.m. and left before he arrived past 11 a.m.

Asked whether the bye-election serves as a litmus test for the APC and for him as the party’s preferred candidate ahead of 2027, Governor Sule said he saw it differently.

According to him, the election presents an opportunity for the people of Nasarawa State to show appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, noting that it is the first general election since the President assumed office that allows citizens to assess the impact of his economic reforms and the dividends of democracy delivered through the resources made available to the state.

“This is the first time the people have the opportunity to come out and prove that they want to say thank you to Mr. President, thank you to APC, and thank you to the Governor,” he added.

He expressed confidence that, by the grace of God, the results would reflect that appreciation.