The Freedom Family Foundation, a prominent domestic election observation group, has declared the recently concluded federal constituency by-election across the Gombe, Kwami, and Funakaye local government areas as a transparent and credible process that authentically reflects the choice of the electorate.
In a press statement signed and released to Jewel Times by the foundation’s National Coordinator, Professor Abubakar Sadiq Bappah, the group reported that systematic monitoring by accredited field observers confirmed the overall integrity of the election.
Utilizing a standardized scoring framework, the foundation evaluated the poll at 83%, securing its placement in the highest credibility band.
Observers noted that pre-election preparations were generally adequate, ensuring that electoral officials and materials were deployed efficiently.
“On election day, polling units opened on time, materials were available, and BVAS devices functioned reliably. Minor delays and occasional network failures were reported but did not materially affect the conduct of voting,” the statement noted.
Collation and results management were likewise assessed as orderly and transparent. Physical tallying aligned consistently with electronic transmission, and results were successfully uploaded to the IReV portal in a timely manner.
Furthermore, party agents were able to actively observe and verify outcomes at every stage, boosting post-election public confidence and reinforcing trust in democratic governance.
Despite the largely positive assessment, the preliminary report highlighted several operational vulnerabilities requiring attention. Observers recorded thin security deployments in remote rural areas, leaving some polling units vulnerable.
Monitors also flagged occasional instances of inappropriate voter influence, alongside the presence of partisan actors and campaign materials too close to polling centers.
Although no ballot snatching was observed, the foundation called for improved inter-agency security coordination and stricter enforcement of neutrality rules at all polling locations.
Ultimately, the foundation concluded that the by-election demonstrated high operational maturity and met key democratic standards.
Professor Bappah expressed optimism that these findings will serve as a constructive benchmark for continued electoral improvement across Nigeria.