Muhammad Aliyu-Goronyo, chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) local governments congress in Kebbi, has described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and orderly.

Aliyu-Goronyo, who is also the PDP chairman in Sokoto State, stated this in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday while leading the monitoring team to the state’s local government areas.

He expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the congress across the 21 local government areas of the state.

‎“So far, so good, this is among the many local governments we have visited, and we are impressed with the early turnout of delegates, who came out in their numbers to either vote for their candidates or affirm consensus candidates.

“We are also impressed with the unity we have seen among party members in all the local governments visited, and the atmosphere has been very peaceful.

“This is encouraging and a testimony of our coming victory in the 2027 general elections, especially when our leaders at the national level become united and focused on the success of the party,” he said.

Mr Aliyu-Goronyo explained that where more than one candidate contested for a position, delegates were required to cast their votes, while in cases of consensus, delegates affirmed the agreed-upon candidates.

He also commended the role of youth and women in the process, applauding their orderly conduct and impressive turnout.

‎“The turnout of women and youth is impressive in several polling units. Women came out in large numbers and maintained order while awaiting the start of elections.

“Even when men were moving around, the women stayed in line, which was quite commendable,” he said.

On his part, Gen. Aminu Bande (rtd), the PDP gubernatorial candidate in Kebbi during the 2023 elections, commended the security agencies, representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and media organisations for ensuring a smooth exercise.

“We are now looking forward to the State Executive Congress (SEC) on Sept. 27, and once that is done, we are confident of having a great chance to emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections at all levels in the country,” Mr Bande said.

The monitoring team visited polling units in Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Bunza, Jega and Argungu local government areas.

 (NAN)