Voters in Kaduna and Kogi states head to the polls today for elections of new local government chairmen and councillors. The elections, overseen by each state’s electoral commission, come amid concerns about fairness, particularly in Kaduna, where political tensions are running high.
Kaduna: Political Tensions and Allegations of Unfair Play
In Kaduna, the state’s electoral body has cleared 79 chairmanship candidates from 10 political parties, including APGA, APC, PDP, NNPP, PRP, LP, YPP, ADC, ZLP, and AA, to contest the election. However, the process has been marred by allegations from opposition parties, particularly the PDP, which has accused the ruling APC of attempting to rig the election.
These concerns intensified after Governor Uba Sani of the APC declared that his party would win all contested positions during a campaign launch, further escalating tensions. Opposition parties also allege that the Kaduna State House of Assembly tried to amend the electoral law to favor the ruling party, an accusation that has been firmly denied by APC leaders.
At a recent meeting between the State Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) and political parties, opposition leaders walked out after Barrister Mahmud Lawal Ismail, Chairman of the House Committee on Education, reiterated the APC’s aim to win all 23 chairmanship and councillorship seats. Despite these reassurances, the PDP remains cautious, calling for fairness and transparency in the election process.
The PDP has demanded that election results be announced at polling units to ensure transparency. The party’s Public Relations Officer, Mariya Dogo, expressed confidence in the PDP’s preparation but emphasized the need for transparency from KAD-SIECOM.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Political Parties Chairmanship and Councillorship Candidates also raised concerns about KAD-SIECOM’s readiness. The electoral commission’s Chairman, Hajiya Hajara Mohammed, has reassured the public of credible elections and warned politicians against inciting violence or spreading hate speech.
Kogi: Government Enforces Movement Restrictions for Election Day
In Kogi, the state government has imposed a vehicular movement restriction from 7 AM to 4 PM to ensure smooth local government elections across its 21 local government areas. The announcement, made by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, stated that security agencies have been directed to enforce the movement restriction strictly. The government urged residents to come out in large numbers, assuring them of adequate security at polling stations.
Plateau: Rerun Elections in Nine Wards
In Plateau, rerun elections for councillorship positions are taking place today in nine wards across six local government areas following irregularities recorded during last week’s elections. The rerun will be held in 112 polling units in areas such as Kishika ward in Bassa LGA, Jemkur and Turaki wards in Langtang South LGA, and several others.
However, the APC has called on its members to boycott the rerun, citing the government’s alleged disregard for democratic principles and the people’s will.
As voters in Kaduna, Kogi, and Plateau cast their ballots, all eyes are on the local government elections commissions to ensure a free, fair, and transparent process amid ongoing tensions and allegations of foul play.
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