Kehinde Fajobi
The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has affirmed its readiness to conduct a smooth and peaceful election across the state’s 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The commission’s assurance comes on the heels of a state high court ruling that upheld its authority to oversee the election.
KANSIEC Chairman Sani Lawan Malunfashi emphasized the commission’s commitment to maintaining integrity at polling units, warning against illegal practices such as vote buying, underage voting, and bribery of officials.
He stated, “The State High Court is the only court that has jurisdiction over the affairs of the state and local governments functions. My expectation is that this judgement be respected because the court has the jurisdiction to decide.”
Lawan Malunfashi further clarified, “We already had a pre-existing order restraining any individual or group from disrupting our constitutional mandate, from truncating the electoral process.”
He noted that the court’s ruling reinforces KANSIEC’s responsibility to conduct and declare the elections, as well as the necessity for police involvement to ensure security throughout the process.
As the election approaches, Malunfashi highlighted that there are less than 24 hours until the polls open. He confirmed the participation of several political parties, including the Action Alliance, ZLP, Accord, AAC, NRM, and NNPP, although a major party has withdrawn from the race.
“The major party that petitioned the commission is already out of the race. It refuses to recognize the institution,” he added, indicating that the party failed to submit candidate names and engage in the electoral process.
The high court, led by Justice Sanusi Ma’aji, had previously directed KANSIEC to proceed with the local government elections, reinforcing the commission’s constitutional powers.
Justice Ma’aji declared that any attempts to disrupt the electoral process would be deemed invalid, and he urged security agencies to ensure the protection of citizens during the elections.
This ruling follows an earlier decision by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano, which temporarily halted the elections on the grounds of KANSIEC’s alleged improper constitution.