The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has secured a surprising victory at the polling unit of Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, during Saturday's bye-election for the Garki-Babura federal constituency in Jigawa State.
At polling unit 001 in Babura Kofar Arewa Primary School, the PDP garnered 308 votes, significantly outperforming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which managed only 112 votes, despite being the minister's political party.
Badaru, who previously served as the governor of Jigawa State before his ministerial appointment under President Bola Tinubu's administration, cast his vote amid tight security arrangements. Sources report that the minister departed the polling station without speaking to journalists who were present to cover the electoral process.
The bye-election was part of a broader electoral exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across 12 states on Saturday. BenriNews gathered that the nationwide exercise faced various challenges, including voter apathy, isolated incidents of violence, and allegations of vote buying in some locations.
Political analysts view this result as potentially significant, considering Badaru's influence as both a federal minister and former state governor. The outcome at his home polling unit may indicate shifting political sentiments in the region, which has traditionally been an APC stronghold.
The complete results for the entire Garki-Babura federal constituency are still being collated as of the time of this report. BenriNews will provide updates as official announcements are made by INEC.
Stay informed on this developing story and other important news by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
