Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya says Gombe's local government elections are running smoothly and fairly. He made the comment after voting at Yahaya Umaru 010 Jekadafari polling unit on Saturday.
Voter turnout has been impressive across the state. Both voters and election officials have conducted themselves responsibly, he told reporters.
"Everyone is behaving in the right manner," Yahaya noted. He expressed confidence the process would deliver positive results for all residents.
His party's governorship candidate, Dr. Jamilu Gwamna, has also cast his ballot.
Other party members would do the same, the governor added.
"The election is free, fair and peaceful," he said. Results should begin emerging within hours once collation starts, according to him.
Yahaya urged citizens to maintain the peaceful atmosphere. Residents should exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation, he stressed.
Gombe has a track record of conducting peaceful local government polls successfully. This exercise continues that trend, the governor noted.
"The atmosphere is calm, and we thank God," he said. Officials at various polling stations across the state have reported no major incidents.
Calm conditions at polling units indicate public confidence in the electoral process. Yahaya believes today's peaceful conduct will strengthen faith in democracy.
"There is no problem," he told waiting journalists. Election management has proceeded without disruption in all parts of Gombe.
Officials expect collation to begin within hours once voting concludes. Preliminary results should emerge shortly after that, sources indicate.
