The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its decision to hold local government elections on Saturday, October 26, despite a recent Federal High Court ruling that removed the state’s independent electoral commission chairman and its members from office. Governor Abba Yusuf made this announcement on Thursday during an event at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where he presented flags to candidates from the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that the elections would proceed smoothly, despite attempts to stop them. He emphasized that all necessary legal steps had been followed to ensure the election could go forward. “We are aware of plans by enemies of the state to truncate this election, but by the grace of Allah, they will not succeed; the elections will be conducted peacefully and credibly,” he declared.
This announcement comes after Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court ordered the removal of KANSIEC’s leadership, casting uncertainty over the upcoming polls. The court’s decision has drawn criticism from various civil society organizations, which view the ruling as an infringement on the democratic rights of Kano State.
Ibrahim Waiya, the convener of Citizens for Development and Education (CDE) and spokesperson for allied groups like Citizens Voice Against Corruption and the Organization for Community and Civic Engagement (OCCEN), voiced concerns over the ruling. “This decision is a setback to our democratic processes,” Waiya said. He argued that the Federal High Court’s order contradicts a Supreme Court directive that mandates states to hold local government elections by the end of October. Waiya further alleged that Justice Amobeda’s actions seemed designed to frustrate efforts toward free and fair elections, disregarding the traditions and democratic values of Kano.
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In compliance with the Federal High Court’s ruling, the Kano State Police Command announced that it would not be involved in election-related duties. Instead, the police plan to focus on maintaining law and order throughout the election period. SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the police spokesperson, confirmed this stance in a video statement. “We will comply with the court order restricting us from participation in the coming Kano State Local Governments Election. However, we will remain steadfast in fulfilling our constitutional mandate of protecting lives and properties,” Kiyawa said.
To ensure public safety, the Commissioner of Police, Salmanu Garba, has instructed operational commanders to conduct 24-hour patrols across the state during the election period. These patrols aim to prevent any disruptions and maintain peace as voters head to the polls.
Despite the legal controversy and divided opinions, the Kano State Government remains determined to carry out the local government elections as planned. With the backing of the state’s leadership and the ongoing presence of security forces, the stage is set for a closely watched election in Kano on October 26.