Battle At The Ballot Kaduna And Kogi Residents Set To Elect New Local Leaders Amid Tensions

Battle At The Ballot Kaduna And Kogi Residents Set To Elect New Local Leaders Amid Tensions

Voters in Kaduna and Kogi states are preparing to cast their votes today for new local government chairmen and councillors, as confirmed by the electoral commissions in both states.In Kaduna, Professor Joseph Gambo, the Commissioner for Public Affairs and Information, announced that 79 chairmanship candidates from 10 political parties—including APGA, APC, PDP, NNPP, PRP, LP, YPP, ADC, ZLP, and AA—have been cleared to participate in the elections……CONTINUE READING 

However, the electoral process has been marked by controversy. The opposition, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has raised concerns about the integrity of the elections, citing remarks made by Governor Uba Sani during a campaign launch at Murtala Square. The governor, representing the ruling APC, confidently asserted that his party would win all contested positions, a claim that has heightened tensions among rival political factions.

In light of these events, the PDP and other opposition parties have accused the Kaduna State House of Assembly of attempting to amend electoral laws, viewing this as a maneuver to manipulate the election process. Leaders from the APC have categorically denied these allegations.

Meanwhile, in Kogi State, the government has imposed a ban on vehicular movement from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. today to facilitate a smooth electoral process and ensure voter security across its 21 local government areas. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, stressed that security agencies have been directed to enforce this restriction rigorously, with penalties for those who violate it.

Residents are encouraged to actively participate in the elections, with assurances of adequate security at polling stations.

Additionally, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) will conduct rerun elections for councillorship positions in nine wards across six local government areas today. These reruns were necessitated by irregularities during the local government elections held last Wednesday. Elections will occur in 112 polling units from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, despite calls from the APC for its members to boycott the elections, citing the government’s alleged disregard for democratic principles and the will of the people.