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Tag: LG Elections

  • APC insists ongoing Kano LG election illegal

    APC insists ongoing Kano LG election illegal

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the ongoing local government election in Kano State being conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) is illegal.

    A chieftain of the party, Rabi’u  Bichi, made the remark in an interview on Saturday in Kano, saying:

    “The  party’s stance is informed by a court order by  Justice Simon Amobede of the Federal High Court, Kano, which still stands, and which has rendered the election null and void.

    “The judge ruled that the leadership of KANSIEC was partisan and biased towards the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the state.

    “Since the judgment has not been appealed, the APC considers  any outcome of the election illegal,” he said.

    The APC chieftain also pointed to a recent Federal High Court judgment that quashed all NNPP chairmanship candidates for the elections, which he said had further reinforced the party’s claims that the election is illegal.

    He, however, urged all members of the party to exercise restraint and await the final outcome of the legal moves being made by the party to challenge the conduct of the polls.

    KANSIEC chairman, Prof. Sani Malumfashi. insisted that the commission is conducting its activities within the bounds of the law. “Every activity of the commission is procedural. We are not partisan.”

    He further urged KANSIEC staff and ad hoc staff to resist any temptation of bribery and ensure that underage children are not allowed to vote.

    Malumfashi also reminded politicians that vote-buying, thuggery, and other forms of violence contravene the state’s electoral guidelines.

    He stressed that all democrats and advocates of democracy are expected to respect Friday’s Kano High Court judgement, which authorised the election to proceed.

    Earlier on Friday, Kano State High Court No. 15 affirmed KANSIEC’s jurisdiction to conduct the Kano State local government polls, scheduled to be held on Saturday, 26 October 2024.

    In his judgment, Justice Sanusi Ado Maaji stated that the Applicant had successfully proved their case.

  • Emir Sanusi sends strong message to Kano residents ahead LG polls

    Emir Sanusi sends strong message to Kano residents ahead LG polls

    The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, has appealed to eligible voters in the state to come out and elect candidates of their choice in Saturday’s Local Government election.

    Sunusi spoke at his palace while addressing newsmen on Friday. The Emir emphasised the importance of shunning violence and any attempts to disrupt the elections.

    He urged the residents to maintain peace and avoid violence before during and after the elections.

    Sanusi appealed to parents to prevent their children from being used as agents of destruction and advised residents to disregard miscreants recruited to cause trouble.

    He encouraged cooperation with the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission to ensure a smooth electoral processes.

  • JUST IN: Kano govt restricts movement for LG election

    JUST IN: Kano govt restricts movement for LG election

    Kano State Government on Friday announced a movement restriction across the state ahead of Saturday Local Government elections. The restriction, effective from midnight to 6 p.m. on election day aims to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls.

    The state Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, stated that this precautionary measure guaranteed the safety of lives and property during the elections.

    “Only essential services personnel, including election officials, security personnel, and accredited journalists, are exempt from the restriction. The government urges the public to comply with the directive and cooperate with security agencies.

    “Residents are encouraged to exercise their civic rights peacefully and avoid disrupting the election. Security agencies are on high alert across the 44 local government areas, with checkpoints established to monitor compliance,” he said.

    Prof  Lawal Malumfashi, Chairman of Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) assured citizens of the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible election, urging voters to come out and cast their votes.

    Malumfashi named the political parties participating in the council election as Action Alliance, and Zenith Labour Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, among others.

    “We are fully prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state”, he said.

    He said that the government’s decision to impose movement restrictions was a necessary step to prevent violence and ensure voter safety.

    Kano electoral commission promises free, fair LG polls

    Meanwhile, the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has said it will conduct the upcoming local government elections in the State devoid of interference from any quarters.

    Chairman of the commission, Prof. Sani Malumfashi, said this while addressing newsmen at the commission’s headquarters on Friday in Kano. Malumfashi also said that the commission was determined to conduct free and fair local government elections.

    He explained that the commission had scheduled Oct.26 for the chairmanship and councillorship elections into the 44 local governments in the state. He said that six registered political parties are participating in the elections scheduled for Oct.26 across the state.

    According to him, six political  parties are participating in the election including NNPP,  ZLP, Accord Party, NRPM, AAC and AA. He, however, said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not participating in the elections.

    “The commission will operate independently in conducting the local government elections in the state; nobody is going to interfere with our activities. Similarly, nobody should approach us with bribe. If people approach us with bribe we are going to expose them; we did it before, we will do it again,” Malumfashi warned.

    He urged candidates in the elections to impress on their supporters to shun violence and cooperate with the commission to ensure smooth implementation of all electoral processes.

    He said that vote buying was against the rules and regulations of the commission and that use of political thugs before,during and after the election is prohibitive.

    The chairman also urged stakeholders such as politicians, traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, CSOs, security agencies and the media to cooperate with the commission to make the election credible, peaceful and hitch-free

    “We said no to bribery, vote-buying, and thuggery before during and after the elections’’, he said.

    He also urged candidates partaking in the polls to preach peace to their supporters and warned against electoral malpractice during the exercise. He commended the he media in mobilising residents to participate in the elections.

  • APC clears Kaduna local government election

    APC clears Kaduna local government election

    The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM), says the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have won the elections conducted in all the 23 local governments and 255 wards in the state.

    Hajara Mohammed, KADSIECOM’s Chairman, disclosed this on Saturday in Kaduna.

    Mohammed said: “The Electoral and Returning Officers have filed their reports; APC won the 23 Chairmanship and 255 Councillorship seats.

    “I hereby confirm the results earlier collated and returned by the Returning Officers,” she stated.

  • Kogi: Stakeholders react as APC sweeps 21 LG chairmanship, 239 council seats

    Kogi: Stakeholders react as APC sweeps 21 LG chairmanship, 239 council seats

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) has swept the 21 Local Government Chairmanship seats and 239 councillorship slots in Kogi in the election held on Saturday

    Mr Mamman Nda-Eri, Chairman, Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), who announced the results in Lokoja, said the election was peaceful, free, fair and credible.

    Among the elected local government chairmen was a woman that clinched the seat in Ogori-Magongo Local Government.

    “APC performed excellently; it cleared all the chairmanship and councillorship positions, leaving nothing to the other 18 political parties that took part in the election.

    “The results declared at the headquarters were earlier declared at the various collations centres by the respective Returning Officers.

    “As Chairman of KOSIEC, I hereby confirm the results earlier collated and returned by the Returning Officers,” he said.

    He thanked the electoral officials, security operatives, observers and newsmen for their support that made the election a success.

    Kogi LG polls: Stakeholders laud KOSIEC for credible elections

    Meanwhile, the Kogi Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, and other stakeholders  have commended the State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) for the  conduct of Saturday’s local councils election. They described the exercise as transparent, free, fair and credible.

    Fanwo told newsmen shortly after casting their votes at Unit 004, Takete-Ide Ward 07 in Mopamuro in Kogi West, that he was impressed with KOSIEC. He noted the timely arrival of voting materials at all the various polling units across Mopamuro.

    Fanwo said: “we received polling materials in this my polling unit as early 7:30 a.m. and  voting began by 8:00 a.m. From the reports I am getting from polling units across Mopamuro, the election materials also arrived very early.

    “The electoral officers are doing a beautiful job, they delivered the election materials on time, and ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election process. You can see that the people are conducting themselves in a peaceful manner because this is actually the election of the people that will usher in  leaders in the grassroots.

    “The people are being given ballot papers, and are free to vote for the party of their choice among the 19 different political parties on the ballot papers.

    “You will only win election when you are popular, so,if you are not popular you cannot blame anybody for losing election. So, this election is free, fair and credible.

    “Nobody is forcing anyone to vote for any party, because democracy is the celebration of free will and free choice, and that is the choice that the people have come out to do today.”

    He appreciated Gov. Ahmed Ododo for honouring his promise of ensuring a credible and transparent election for the people of Kogi.

    The commissioner advised the electorates to remain calm and peaceful, saying there should be no tension as democracy remains the celebration of fundamental rights to vote.

    On his part, the APC Mopamuro Chairmanship Candidate, Mr Ademola Bello-Destiny, at Aiyeteju-Agbajogun Ward 09, also commended KOSIEC for the peaceful conduct of the election.

    “We don’t have any issue in Mopamuro because everybody is happy to vote. I have just cast my vote as the APC Chairmanship Candidate in Mopamuro.

    “Our governor is an excellent leader and Chief Servant and has ensure that the election is conducted under a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.

    Bello-Destiny further commended security agents for ensuring  a hitch free election.

    The Electoral Officer, KOSIEC Mopamuro LGA, Mr Tope Obajemu, commended the voters for their peaceful conduct, saying the election was the most peaceful in Kogi in recent years.

    He noted that there was no voter apathy in the election.

    Obajemu stressed that the KOSIEC and hoc staff had been adequately trained to ensure a hitch-free process, saying there was no complaint of any kind.

    Also Speaking, Dennis Komolafe, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Inter Party Affairs, said the exercise was seamless in Orokere Ward 06.

    “We thank our people for coming out en masse to cast their votes for candidates of their choice. We appreciate Gov. Usman Ododo for ensuring a free fair and transparent election as he had promised,” Komolafe said.

  • Kaduna LG election: Movement restricted as sensitive materials leave CBN

    Kaduna LG election: Movement restricted as sensitive materials leave CBN

    The Kaduna State Government on Friday announced restriction of movement ahead of the chairmanship and councillorship elections slated in the state for Saturday, Oct. 19.

    The Commissioner for  Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, made this known in Kaduna on Friday.

    “Ahead of the chairmanship and councillorship elections into the 23 local government councils and 255 wards slated for Oct. 19, the Kaduna State Security Council has imposed a restriction of movement throughout the state from 6a.m to 7p.m on the said date.

    “This is to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections. By this notice, vehicular movements, as well as commercial and other related activities which may constitute impediments to law and order, are to cease within the period of the restriction on Saturday.

    “Only persons performing essential duties are exempted from this restriction, and may move during the period with proper identification and clearance.

    “Citizens are thus advised to refrain from actions that could disrupt public peace or affect smooth conduct of the elections. Security agencies have been deployed to ensure enforcement and compliance.

    “Members of the general public are also urged to promptly report any observed acts which may threaten law and order to security agencies, and not take laws into their hands,” he said.

    Aruwan said that the Kaduna state security operations’ room was reachable for this purpose on the following lines: 09034000060, 08170189999.

    LG polls: KADSIECOM expresses readiness, takes custody of sensitive material

    The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM) says it is ready for the local government council elections scheduled for Saturday. The commission has moved the sensitive materials for the polls from  CBN to its headquarters in Kaduna.

    Prof. Joseph Gambo, Kaduna State Commissioner, Public Affairs and Information, disclosed this in an interview with NAN on Friday in Kaduna.

    KADSIECOM had fixed Saturday for the conduct of the elections in the 23 LGAs. KADSIECOM Chairperson, Hajara Mohammed,had in July, announced the date and timetable during a meeting with the political parties and other stakeholders in the state.

    Gambo said the materials were moved to the commission’s headquarters’ store in the presence of the political parties’ agents, security personnel and members of the press.

    “From the headquarters, we will now distribute them to the respective local government areas for the exercise tomorrow. So far, to the best of my knowledge, the commission does not have any shortage of manpower at any of the local governments,” he said.

    On security, the commissioner said except for Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, there was adequate presence of security personnel stationed at the headquarters and the respective local government areas where the elections would take place.

    “Birnin Gwari is a well known story to everyone and we have mapped out a plan on how to handle the area otherwise, every other part of the State is adequately covered,” Gambo added.

    LG polls: Police assure adequate security in Kaduna

    The Police Command in Kaduna State, on Friday assured the deployment of adequate personnel for hitch-free local government election on Saturday.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, made this known in a statement issued in Kaduna.

    Hassan said , “In preparation for the upcoming LGA  pills scheduled for Saturday, the command has ramped up its security efforts to ensure a peaceful and fair election process across the state.

    “The command has implemented major deployments of personnel and resources to polling units, collation centers and other critical locations to-guarantee the safety of voters and election officials.

    “The peace accord signed by the Chairmen of the political parties at the Police Officers’ Mess on Thursday was a measure aimed at promoting peaceful conduct before, during, and after the election period.”

    Hassan said the Commissioner of Police, Gyoyon  Grimah, has urged all the political actors and the  public to adhere to the law and respect the peace accord throughout the electoral process.

    “The CP advised that when election is ongoing, the public should be security conscious of their environment and report suspicious activities or persons to the nearest security formation.

    ”This can be done via the Kaduna State Command control room emergency mobile phone numbers 08075391105 and 07039675856 for prompt intervention.

    “The command assures the public of its continuous dedication to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring that the elections are conducted in a safe and orderly manner, “Hassan said.

    LGA polls: NSCDC deploy 2,500 personnel in Kaduna

    The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kaduna State Command, said its has deployed 2, 500 personnel for the LGA elections slated for Saturday.

    The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Mr Habbeb Badamasi, announced this in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna.

    Badamasi said, “The State Commandant, Nuhu  Muhammadu, has ordered the immediate deployment of 2500 personnel across the state ahead of Saturday’s LG elections across the 23 LGAs.”

    He said the commandant, while addressing the personnel, warned officers and men against accidental discharge and avoid unruly behaviours.

    Muhammadu  charged all the Divisional Officers to ensure all staff posted to their divisions carry out their duties effectively.

    He further advised the personnel to adhere strictly to the dress code  , electoral code of conduct and ensure full protection of lives and property, including critical national assets and infrastructure.

  • LG election: Kogi govt restricts movement with immunity for travellers

    LG election: Kogi govt restricts movement with immunity for travellers

    The Kogi State Government has announced the restriction of vehicular movement on Saturday, between 7.a.m. and 4p.m. Mr Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information, in a statement issued in Lokoja on Friday, said that the decision was to ensure a hitch-free Council Poll in the state.

    “The decision is also to guarantee the security of voters and citizens across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state. Already the state government has directed security agencies to enforce the order in the interest of the people and to ensure that offenders are punished, ” he said .

    The commissioner called on the citizens to come out massively to participate in the local government election to elect their representatives at the local government areas. He is however, assured prospective voters of adequate security as they exercise their franchise on Saturday.

    Fanwo added: “We also wish to express confidence in the capacity of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) to organise a free, fair and credible Council Poll across the state. We hereby urge citizens to be peaceful and to make their choices known through the ballot.”

    According to him, it is pertinent to call on the citizens to make democracy a free will of the people and the power of the ballot over the bullets. He said that the state government would do everything within the precinct of the law to maintain law and order for the growth and development of the state.

    No restriction of movement for travellers during LG polls – Kogi govt.

    Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has said there will be no restriction of movement for travellers passing through the state during the Saturday local government elections. Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) Mr Mamman Nda-Eri, stated made this in an interview in Lokoja on Friday.

    Nda-Eri assured travellers of their immunity from the statement earlier issued on Friday by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo on restriction of vehicular movement between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. of Saturday. Fanwo had said that the decision to restrict vehicular movement on Saturday was to ensure hitch-free council polls in the state.

    “The decision is also to guarantee the security of voters and citizens across the 21 local government areas of the state. Already, the state government has directed security agencies to enforce the order in the interest of the people and to ensure that offenders are punished,” the commissioner had said.

    However, the KOSIEC chairman told NAN that the restriction order was only for residents of the state and not the travellers passing through Kogi.

    “We are aware that Kogi is a gateway state and we can’t stop people from travelling across the state. The election is very crucial though, but we understand the fears of travellers. They can pass without any problem,” he said.

    Nda-Eri also disclosed that the deployment of sensitive electoral materials to LGAs had commenced, adding that they had been released to the electoral officers in all the 21 local government areas of the state.

    The chairman, who monitored the release of the sensitive electoral materials at the headquarters of the commission, said they arrived at the headquarters of the commission around 9:00 p.m. of Thursday.

    He said that the election would take place in the 239 wards of the 21 council areas simultaneously on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Zamfara announces date for LG election

    Zamfara announces date for LG election

    The Zamfara Independent Electoral Commission has fixed Nov. 16, for the conduct of Local Government elections in the State.

    The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr Bala Aliyu disclosed this at a press briefing in Gusau on Monday.

    Aliyu said sales of nomination forms for interested candidates would commence on Oct. 25, and to end on Nov. 1.

    He noted that all necessary arrangements had been made by the commission to ensure hitch-free local government polls.

    The chairman advised all government employees who have interest to contest in the elections to resign 30 days before the elections in line with the provision of the law.

  • How Moro misinformed Senate over Benue LG election – Gov Alia

    How Moro misinformed Senate over Benue LG election – Gov Alia

    Governor Hyacinth Alia on Friday said that the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (PDP/Benue South), misinformed the Senate over the just concluded local government election in the state.

    Alia stated this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, in Makurdi. The governor recalled that Moro, while moving a motion on the floor of the Senate, described the election as a charade and sham.

    He also recalled that the lawmaker also called for the suspension of federal allocations to local councils in the state.

    Alia stated that the election was conducted in strict compliance with democratic principles and existing electoral laws.

    According to him, Moro’s attempt to paint the elections as a sham was rooted in a known personal vendetta rather than a genuine concern for the democratic process.

    “The elections were conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) and were widely recognised as credible and violence free.

    “Their collective actions, as usual, seem to serve a singular agenda of discrediting the current people-orientated administration in Benue rather than addressing the needs and concerns of their constituents

    “Furthermore, that crooked outing on the floor of the hallowed chambers once more projected their known pattern of treachery.

    “This is not the first instance where Moro and his colleagues from the state have sought to undermine the administration,” he said.

    The governor pointed out that the video used by Moro to support his claims was nothing more than a poorly orchestrated attempt to discredit the Benue Government.

    He said that the lawmaker and his colleagues from Benue must recognise that their actions were alienating them from their constituents.

    “It is crucial for these politicians to reflect on their roles and the trust placed in them. A genuine apology to their constituents and a commitment to serve rather than sabotage could be their path back to relevance,” he added.

  • Plateau: Newly elected local government Chairmen sworn in

    Plateau: Newly elected local government Chairmen sworn in

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has sworn-in the newly elected chairmen of 15 out of the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State. The event held on Thursday in Jos.

    Recall that the State’s Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) on Saturday conducted elections across all the LGAs of the state. Chairman of PLASIEC, Mr Planji Cishak, had announced the results of 15 out of the 17 LGAs. The chairman said that the pending results would be announced in due course.

    Speaking at the event, Mutfwang, who congratulated the newly elected chairmen, said that they emerged through a transparent and credible process.

    The Governor, who commended PLASIEC for conducting a free and fair exercise, added that the votes of the people counted.

    ”Today I’m very proud to inaugurate these chairmen with good conscience; they are the first of chairmen coming under local government autonomy.

    ”I’m a strong advocate and supporter of local government autonomy, so, I’m committed to ensuring that the local government system becomes stronger and very effective. I welcome you on board to join me in giving the Plateau people quality leadership,” he said.

    The Governor, who promised to support the chairmen to succeed toward bringing good governance to the rural people, however, charged them to be accountable and transparent.