By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
Voters have turned out in large numbers across polling units in Gombe metropolis to elect a new representative for the Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye Federal Constituency, as voting continues peacefully in the bye election.
The exercise commenced at about 8:30 a.m., with eligible voters, including persons with disabilities, seen undergoing accreditation and casting their ballots for their preferred candidates.
A similar situation was observed at Bubayero Primary School and other polling units across the metropolis, where voters turned out to exercise their franchise.
Some voters who spoke shortly after casting their ballots expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, saying they voted for candidates they believed could best represent their interests and address challenges facing their communities.
At Hassan Central Primary School, INEC National Commissioner in charge of the North-East, Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar Malafa, retired, monitored the exercise and described the election as peaceful.
She commended electoral officials for carrying out their duties effectively and expressed confidence that the exercise would be concluded peacefully.
Rear Admiral Malafa also said the Electoral Act now allows voters to update their information within their vicinity, describing the provision as a measure that makes the electoral process more accessible.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman of Gombe South Local Council Development Area, Alhaji Dalha Boderi, commended the turnout of voters and expressed confidence in the outcome of the election.
TheGombe, Kwami and Funakaye Federal Constituency seat became vacant following the death of its former representative, Yaya Bauchi Tongo.
Tongo died at the age of 62 at a hospital in Abuja after a brief illness on Friday, June 12, 2026, leading to the conduct of the bye-election to fill the vacant seat.
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has called on candidates and voters participating in the election to abide by the law and ensure peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
Governor Inuwa made the call shortly after casting his ballot at his polling unit at Government Science Senior Secondary School, Jekadafari, at about 11:06 a.m.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters, despite the election being a bye election.
He said reports reaching him from other parts of the constituency indicated strong support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the election.
Governor Inuwa added that, in his view, an APC victory would indicate the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general election.
Also, the APC governorship candidate, Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, cast his ballot at his polling unit, Saidu Mangu 007, Jekadafari Ward.
Speaking shortly after voting, Dr Gwamna commended officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the conduct of the election.
He expressed hope that the 2027 general election would be conducted with even greater efficiency and improved standards.
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