Kaduna, Kogi hold LG polls today

Voters in Kaduna and Kogi states will head to the polls today to elect new local government chairmen and councillors, as confirmed by the states’ electoral commissions.

In Kaduna, the electoral body’s Commissioner for Public Affairs and Information, Professor Joseph Gambo, disclosed that 79 chairmanship candidates from 10 political parties—including APGA, APC, PDP, NNPP, PRP, LP, YPP, ADC, ZLP and AA—have been cleared to participate in the election.

However, the opposition, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has raised concerns about the electoral process and remarks made by the state governor during the campaign launch at the Murtala Square, Kaduna. Governor Uba Sani, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declared that the ruling party would win all contested positions. This comment has heightened tension.

The PDP and other opposition parties also alleged that the Kaduna State House of Assembly attempted to amend the electoral law, which they view as a move to rig the election. These allegations have been strongly denied by APC leaders.

• Urgent need to tackle rising malnutrition in Northern Nigeria
• Navigating intricacies of LGAs administration and financial autonomy

A minor drama unfolded last Saturday at a meeting between the State Electoral Commission and political parties. Opposition leaders walked out after Barrister Mahmud Lawal Ismail, Chairman of the House Committee on Education, reiterated the APC’s intent to secure all 23 chairmanship and councillorship seats. He also denied any plans to amend the electoral law, stating that the House of Assembly, regardless of party, is committed to ensuring a fair election.

Despite these assurances, the PDP remains cautious. The party’s Public Relations Officer, Mariya Dogo, expressed confidence in their preparation but emphasised the need for transparency.

“We are fully prepared for the election, but we demand fairness from KAD-SIECOM,” Dogo told Weekend Trust. “The governor has already claimed that results will be announced by noon on election day. We urge the commission to ensure fairness and transparency. We are not afraid of this election.”

She further called for election results to be announced at polling units to ensure transparency and urged the public to monitor the process closely.

Similarly, the Coalition of Political Parties Chairmanship and Councillorship Candidates raised concerns over KAD-SIECOM’s readiness. Coalition Chairman, Comrade Mohammed Hamisu Umar, urged the electoral body to conduct free and fair elections.

In response, KAD-SIECOM Chairman, Hajiya Hajara Mohammed, reassured the public that the election results would not be manipulated. She also cautioned politicians to avoid inciting violence or spreading hate speech and urged all political parties to support the commission in ensuring peaceful, credible polls.

Kogi restricts vehicular movement

In Kogi, the state government has imposed a restriction on vehicular movement across the state from 7am to 4pm today, due to the local government elections.

Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, announced this on Friday, stating that the decision was taken to facilitate a smooth election process and enhance voter security in Kogi’s 21 local government areas.

Fanwo added that security agencies have been directed to strictly enforce the movement restriction, with penalties for violators. The government encouraged residents to come out in large numbers and assured them of adequate security at polling stations.

Plateau holds councillorship rerun

Also, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) will today conduct rerun elections for councillorship positions in nine wards across six local government areas (LGAs).

The rerun was called following irregularities recorded during last Wednesday’s local government elections. The affected areas include Kishika ward in Bassa LGA, Jemkur and Turaki wards in Langtang South, Gindiri 2 and Kasuwan Ali wards in Mangu LGA, and Luukwo ward in Qua’an Pan LGA.

Reruns will also take place in Fier and Mudkang Yelleng wards in Pankshin LGA, and Ampang East B ward in Kanke LGA. Elections will be held in 112 polling units from 8am to 3pm today.

However, the APC has asked its members to boycott the election over what it described as the government’s disregard for democratic principles and the people’s will.