Kano LG poll: Opposition parties absent as candidates’ verification begins 

The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has begun verification of credentials of candidates vying for chairmanship and councillorship positions ahead of the October 26 local government election in the state.

The exercise will last till October 14, according to the timetable of activities released by the commission.

Chairmanship candidates from the 15 local government areas that made up Kano Central Senatorial District  were listed to be screened on Wednesday.

Councillorship candidates from seven LGAs were equally screened from the same senatorial district.

It was, however, observed that only candidates of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) submitted themselves for the verification exercise as candidates of the opposition parties were not seen at KANSIEC office on Wednesday.

The NNPP chairmanship candidate for Minjibir LGA, Jibrin Nalado Kunya who was screened, told Daily Trust that the panel asked him a few questions on his qualifications and party membership after presenting his drug test certificate by the NDLEA and his last pay slip in lieu of tax clearance.

• Customers kick as Nigerian banks declare huge profit
• PHOTOS: Absence of PLASIEC officials, election materials, voter apathy mar Plateau LG poll

Kunya also presented receipt of the N9 million nomination fee he paid for the chairmanship form purchased from KANSIEC.

He said his main challenger and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate  Ahmadu Ubale, was not at the verification exercise, adding that he was not sure if Ubale had paid for the nomination forms.

The verification panel, according to him, comprises KANSIEC officials, police, NDLEA, immigration and DSS personnel.

It was gathered that members of opposition APC and other parties have not purchased the nomination forms and did not present them for the exercise.

APC is in court challenging imposition of N9m and N4m nomination fees for chairmanship and councillors candidates respectively.

The commission has fixed October 14-18 for replacement and substitution of candidates while the names of screened candidates  would be published on October 20.