The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored a surprise victory over the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polling unit of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, during the Garki-Babura federal constituency by-election in Jigawa State on Saturday.
At Polling Unit 001, Babura Kofar Arewa Primary School, PDP recorded 308 votes against APC’s 112, dealing a blow to the minister who is a prominent APC figure and immediate past governor of Jigawa. Abubakar, who cast his ballot under tight security, quietly left the venue without addressing journalists.
The by-election was conducted under heavy security presence, with personnel of the police, NSCDC, immigration service and other agencies deployed across Babura and Garki LGAs to maintain order. Officials confirmed that voting was smooth and without incident, with polling officer Ibrahim Shehu noting the process went well.
READ MORE
- Reijnders Steals the Show on City Debut
- The Secret to Staying Relevant After Graduation in Nigeria
- N200,000 Youth Loan: NYSC, CREDICORP Launch ‘YouthCred’ to Empower Corps Members
In another area, Primary Yamma (005), the Minister of State for Education, Mrs Suwaiba Ahmad, praised the peaceful atmosphere of the election and voiced optimism that the APC would secure overall victory despite the setback at her colleague’s polling unit.
While the election was ongoing, life in the constituency continued as normal. Markets were open, residents went about their daily activities, and observers noted relatively high voter turnout across most polling units.
The results from other polling units are still being collated, but the PDP’s win at the Defence Minister’s own polling unit has already sparked political conversations about the party’s growing influence in the state
