Gombe State has conducted a peaceful and transparent Local Government Council elections across the 11 Local Government Areas and 13 Local Council Development Area.
The exercise witnessed an impressive turnout of eligible voters, who freely exercised their constitutional rights in an orderly atmosphere, with electoral officials and security personnel effectively discharging their responsibilities.
Our correspondent reports that the participating political parties include African Action Congress, All Progressives Congress, Democratic Leadership Alliance, National Rescue Movement, Youth Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who cast his ballot at the Yahaya Umaru Polling Unit 010 of Jekadafari Ward, located at Government Science Secondary School Gombe, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, commending the enthusiasm displayed by the electorate and the peaceful disposition of all stakeholders throughout the exercise.
The governor stressed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting credible electoral processes and deepening grassroots governance as critical drivers of sustainable development in Gombe State.
“Well, you’ve seen it yourselves. The turnout is very impressive. I have cast my vote, along side our party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna and host of other eligible voters.
“From what we have witnessed so far, the election is free, fair and peaceful, and I believe the outcome will be beneficial to all of us,” the governor stated.
Yahaya who was visibility happy with the massive voter-turnout said “I am delighted by the enthusiasm demonstrated by our people. Their peaceful participation is a clear reflection of their confidence in the democratic process and our leadership”.
He observed that Gombe State has consistently recorded peaceful Local Government elections over the years, expressing confidence that the current exercise would further consolidate the state’s democratic credentials.
“We have conducted several Local Government elections in the past, and they have all been peaceful and successful. I believe this one will equally end peacefully,” he added.
The governor disclosed that feedback from various Local Government Areas indicated that the election was progressing smoothly without any security concerns or major incidents.
“We are conducting the election here, and the same process is taking place across the state. So far, there are no reports of any problem. In a matter of hours, voting will be concluded, collation will commence, and the results will emerge” he stated calling on contestants to accept the outcome of the elections.
Across the state, the election was generally observed to be peaceful, orderly and transparent, with eligible voters turning out in large numbers to freely elect candidates of their choice in accordance with democratic principles.
At various polling units across the state, election officials, security personnel and independent observers were seen carrying out their responsibilities without interference.
In Deba, All Progressives Congress Gombe central senatorial candidate, Mohammed Ahmed, lauded the process adding “you can see that the process is free and transparent. Local Government is closest to the people. We want to appreciate the governor for entrenching democracy in Gombe State.”
In Akko, Abubakar Barambu, commended the poll adding that “the election is the first to be conducted since the creation of the 13 LCDAs by Governor Inuwa Yahaya as part of his commitment to deepening grassroots governance, accelerating development and bringing government closer to the people.”
Collation of results is expected to commence immediately after the conclusion of voting across the state.
