The chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Prof. Sani Lawan Malunfashi, said on Friday that the All Progressive Congress (APC) has since pulled out of the race as they boycotted all electoral processes and guidelines set out by the Commission.
This was just as he emphasised that all arrangements have been concluded to conduct local government elections in the state on Saturday in line with the ruling of a Kano state high court on Friday.
He, however, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Friday that six political parties are participating in the election, including the NNPP, ZLP, Accord Party, NRPM, AAC, and AA.
Professor Malumfashi then insisted that the Commission is carrying out its activities under the ambits of the law; “every activity of the Commission is procedural. We are not partisan.”
He further urged KANSIEC staff and ad hoc staff to resist any temptation of bribery and ensure that underage children are not allowed to vote.
He then reminded politicians that vote-buying, thuggery, and other forms of violence contravene the state electoral guidelines.
According to him, the expectations of all Democrats and lovers of democracy are that Friday’s Kano High Court judgement that gave a nod for the election to be held be respected.
Our correspondent reports that earlier on Friday, Kano State High Court Number 15 affirmed the jurisdiction of KANSIEC to conduct Kano State local government polls, slated to hold on Saturday.
In his judgement, Justice Sanusi Ado Maaji averred that the applicant (KANSIEC) has proved their case.
Our correspondent reports that KANSIEC had approached the court, seeking the court to perpetually restrain the defendants (APC) from obstructing the local government electoral process.
He ruled that the Commission was established by the law that gives her statutory mandate to conduct elections.
The Court also ordered police to provide security during the exercise.
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