The battleground is set for two brothers to slug it out for the vacant Katsina North senatorial seat.
The district, where President Muhammadu Buhari hails from, will be keenly contested by Kabir Babba-Kaita, hoisting the flag of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), and Ahmad Babba-Kaita donning the colours of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The seat became vacant following the death of Mustapha Bukar, the senator who represented the district until his death in April 4.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed Saturday August 11 for the by-election after receiving a notification from the National Assembly indicating that the seat is vacant.
According to the Katsina State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner, Jibrin Zarewa, six political parties are expected to contest the seat.
Of the six, the two major contenders are born of the same father but different mothers.
Kabir, a retired customs officer had emerged the sole candidate of the PDP following the withdrawal of his major contender, Mani Nasarawa. He had never contested for nor held any known political office before.
For his brother however, it wasn’t an easy ride, Mr Ahmad, currently a member of the House of Representatives representing Kusada/Ingawa/Kankia Federal Constituency, battled the APC primary with another Rep member and nine others.
He emerged after polling 1,723 votes to beat his closest rival, another Rep member, Nasiru Zangon Daura, who polled 1, 474 votes.
The election will be conducted in 12 local government areas which make the senatorial district. The local governments are; Daura, Zango, Baure, Sandamu, Mai’adua, Mashi, Ingawa, Mani, Dutsi, Kusada, Bindawa and Kankia.
According to INEC, the district has a registered population of 855,092 voters, 1825 voting points, 1577 polling units’ and 128 wards.
Corps members setting up at Sarkin Tarah, polling unit 003.
This is President Muhammadu Buhari’s polling unit. But Mr Buhari will not participate in today’s election as he is out of the country on vacation.
8.10 a.m., Election commences at Bakin Kasuwa 1, Gidan chairman, polling unit 006.
Accreditation and voting have commenced simultaneously at Kofar Baru, PU 004.
So far, the voter turnout has been very low in few polling units where the process has commenced.
Meanwhile, residents of Daura are going about their daily businesses as usual. Except for big shops which are locked, owners of smaller stalls are going about their businesses as usual.
Contrary to what usually obtains in Nigerian elections, there is no restriction of vehicular movement in Daura.
