Kehinde Fajobi
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has affirmed that the Local Government elections scheduled for October 26, 2024, will proceed as planned, despite a recent Federal High Court ruling that voided the elections.
The court’s decision cited concerns over the presence of card-carrying members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) serving as executive officers within the electoral commission.
During a flag presentation ceremony for the 44 chairmanship and councilorship candidates at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium on Thursday evening, Yusuf stated, “At this moment, the state will not allow anybody to destabilize the existing peace being enjoyed by the citizenry.”
He asserted that both the state government and the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission are constitutionally empowered to conduct the elections.
“We have satisfied all the conditions laid down by the law and we have completed all necessary preparations for the conduct of the elections on Saturday, as such, the polls must take place as planned,” he said.
Acknowledging the potential for disruptions, he noted, “We are aware of plans by enemies of the state to truncate this election, but by the grace of Allah, they will not succeed; the elections will be conducted peacefully and credibly.”
Yusuf also expressed the state government’s readiness to swear in candidates declared winners by the electoral body.
He urged NNPP members to return to their respective wards and prepare adequately for the elections, emphasizing, “You are the real supporters of the party.”
He expressed confidence in the party’s success, stating, “The party would win all the positions of 44 chairmen as well as 484 councillors, considering the massive support it is enjoying from the people in the state.”
In his remarks, Dr. Audu Ajuji, the Acting National Chairman of NNPP, conveyed optimism about the elections being peaceful, adding that the party is confident it will sweep all the elective positions without any hitches.
The state NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa highlighted the impressive turnout at the event, calling it outstanding given the number of supporters present.