…No Plan To Amend LG Electoral Law – Kaduna Assembly
The Kaduna State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concerns over the legitimacy of the upcoming local government election, scheduled for October 19, 2024.
At a press conference held in Kaduna on Wednesday, the party’s chairman, Hon. Edward Masha, alleged that the Kaduna State House of Assembly was planning to amend the Kaduna State Local Government Law, 2024, just 11 days before the election.
“The planned amendment is a clear contradiction to the Local Government Election Law amended in July 2024, which was gazetted on July 25, 2024,” Masha stated.
However, the Kaduna State House of Assembly, while reacting, denied any plan to amend the state Local Government Areas Electoral Law, ahead of the council elections fixed for Oct. 19.
But the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr Henry Marah, at a news briefing in Kaduna, said there was nothing related to the amendment of electoral law mentioned in the order paper for Oct. 9.
“We did not discuss anything outside the order paper and as you can all see, there is nothing related to electoral law amendment in the order paper we have done since the July judgment of the Supreme Court on financial autonomy to local governments.
“All we tried to do in the amendment was the removal of the use of electronic voting machines due to the short notice we had for the election.
“The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), by virtue of their voters’ registration, increased the number of polling units across the state and then the state at that time was not prepared to go and get the machines,” he said.
The lawmaker stated that all members of the assembly were duty bound to serve and represent their constituency and as such, would not do anything that was against the interest of the people.
According to him, the government has never interfered with the activities of the house, adding that the lawmakers do not fear or favour anyone.
But speaking further, the PDP chairman emphasised that the party would not stand by and watch the democratic process being undermined.
According to Masha, the amendment plans are aimed at manipulating the election outcome, particularly regarding the venue for declaring winners and the appointment of collation officers.
“We urge the Governor of Kaduna State, security agencies, and the general public to ensure a peaceful and violence-free election process,” he said
The PDP chairman highlighted the importance of local government elections as a fundamental part of Nigeria’s democratic process, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
“It is crucial that the election is conducted fairly and transparently, and that the will of the people is respected,” he emphasised.
Masha cited Sections 23 and 24 of the Local Government Election Law in Kaduna State, which outlined the procedures for announcing election results and appointing officers to conduct the election.
He warned that any attempt to manipulate the election would be resisted by the party and the people of Kaduna State.
The PDP called on the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, to uphold his constitutional responsibility to ensure a peaceful election.
The party also urged security agencies to be vigilant and prevent any attempt to disrupt the electoral process.
The chairman urged its supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, while also exercising their right to vote and participate in the democratic process.