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Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin-Kebbi and Mohammed Munirat Nasir, Gusau
A coalition of accredited domestic observers has given a pass mark to the concluded governorship and state house of assembly elections in Zamfara state.
The observer groups, in a statement jointly signed by the National Committee of Patriots, led by Muhammad Hashidu, Centre for Strategic Conflict management, led by Dr Prince Onyike and Northern Patriotic Front, headed by Dr Khalifa Aljameel.
Others are Centre for Grassroots Development and Crime Prevention, led by Barrister Folashade Dasaolu and Patriotic Women Foundation, headed by Miss Sakina Mukhtar.
The observer groups said the voter turn out was overwhelming and commendable, the overall process peaceful and majority of voters, party agents, security operatives, poll officials witnessed the sorting of ballots and counting and recording of result sheets.
“Voter turnout was overwhelming and commendable, the overall electioneering process was peaceful throughout the state. Majority of the voters, party agents, observers, security agents and poll officials witnessed the sorting of ballots counting and recording of results sheets signed by concern stakeholders in a peaceful and orderly manner,” they said.
They commended INEC for its efficient and transparent manner, federal and state government for non interference, and security agencies for their courage, patriotism and commitment to hitch free election.
In a related development, the coalition in Kebbi State decried high number of invalid votes recorded in the last election across polling units in the state.
The observers, who made their observations known during a press conference in Birnin-Kebbi, yesterday, noted improvement in the functioning of card readers during governorship and House of Assembly elections compared to president and National Assembly elections.
Led by their team leader, Nurud Musa, from Centre for Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development (CPALD), they said “there were presence of security personnel at various polling units within the state.
“Majority of voters cast their votes in peaceful manner. The collation of results was organised in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the process. There were high cases of invalid votes at various poling units in the state. There is need for frequent voter education in the state so as to avoid high cases of invalid votes”, they said.
