PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 27th OCTOBER 2024.
Kano LG Polls is a Disgraceful and Shameless Election
The Saturday 26th October 2024 Kano local government elections, conducted the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), is nothing but short of disgraceful.
The KANSIEC has from the beginning show clear a sign of foul play.
The just concluded local government elections in Kano state is nothing but an orchestrated act of robbery, an imposition disguised as an election.
As the civil society organizations, we are highly disappointed with the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission’s (KANSIEC) premature announcement of NNPP candidates as winners of 44 local government council chairmanship and 484 councillorship seats, while over 60% of polling units awaited election materials, is a blatant affront on democracy and our collective sensibilities.
We condemn this brazen electoral theft and urge well-meaning citizens and democracy advocates worldwide to join us in demanding justice for Kano State’s people.
This is an unprofessional and shameless display by KANSIECOM under the leadership of Professor Sani Malumfashi in concert with Governor Abba Kabirun Yusuf who claims to be a “Governor of the people” and a “democrat.” We reject this fraudulent process loudly and emphatically, calling it what it is: outright theft.
There’s no genuine election took place across the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State. The ruling NNPP in Kano, driven by fear of defeat due to their poor leadership, manipulated the process. The refusal to face the electorate in a free and fair election is a cowardly attempt to hold onto power at all costs, particularly to maintain access to Local Government grants and autonomy.
Local governments are the closest and most accessible tier of governance to the people, and citizens have a constitutional right to choose their leaders. Yet, it is clear that KANSIEC has conspired with the state government to rob the residents of Kani of this fundamental right. This is an appalling breach of trust and an outright violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
We call upon KANSIEC to annul the fraudulent results handed to the NNPP and immediately reschedule a transparent, free, and fair election. Failing to do so will cement their reputation as a corrupt institution, undeserving of the trust of the people.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf must also understand that his credibility as a leader is severely tarnished by this charade. If his idea of governance is to impose leaders rather than allow the people to decide, he is fostering corruption within his administration. Posterity will undoubtedly judge all those involved in this disgraceful act.
We understand that it has become a very sick and sad fad for governors to emasculate all positions of Chairmen and Councilors during Local Governments elections to their parties 100%.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who has the final say in this matter should critically appraise yesterday’s ‘election’ and take a positively courageous position in a manner that will strengthen democracy in Kano state and increase the love, trust and hope that the people have for him.
The announcement of winners of Saturday elections by KANSIEC Chairman, is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) manipulation, it stands as an annoying charade; an insult to the collective intelligence of good people of Kano State and big leap into backwardness in Kano state.
We urge the Governor to reflect on his leadership and prioritize the interests of the people of Kano over selfish political ambitions. A time will come when neither KANSIEC officials nor anyone else in his inner circle will be able to shield him from the people’s judgment. Let him not forget that he will ultimately answer to the very masses he sought to disenfranchise in these elections.
We reaffirm our commitment to holding the Kano State government accountable, and we will ensure the rule of law is upheld and protected at all times.
Signed:
Dr. Balarabe M. Lawal
Executive Secretary,
Northern Coalition of Socio political Group
GNN24 News 