The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has announced that the upcoming local government elections will be conducted without any external interference.
Chairman of KANSIEC, Prof. Sani Malumfashi made this statement while speaking to reporters at the commission's headquarters in Kano on Friday.
He emphasized the commission's commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
Malumfashi also confirmed that the chairmanship and councillorship elections for the 44 local governments in the state are scheduled for October 26. Six registered political parties will participate in these elections, including NNPP, ZLP, Accord Party, NRPM, AAC, and AA. Notably, the All Progressives Congress will not be taking part 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.
Sending out warnings, Malumfashi said: “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.”
He urged candidates in the elections to encourage their supporters to reject violence and work with the commission to facilitate the smooth execution of all electoral processes.
According to Malumfashi, vote buying violates the commission's rules and that the use of political thugs before, during, and after the elections is strictly prohibited.
The chairman also called on stakeholders—including politicians, traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, civil society organizations, security agencies, and the media—to collaborate with the commission to ensure that the elections are credible, peaceful, and free of complications.
“We said no to bribery, vote-buying, and thuggery before during and after the elections,” he said.
He also encouraged candidates participating in the elections to promote peace among their supporters and cautioned against any electoral malpractice during the process.
Additionally, he praised the media for their efforts in encouraging residents to engage in the electoral process.
