……….Ready to conduct free and fair election
By Rabiu Sanusi
The Chairman of Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Prof.Sani Lawan Malumfashi, disclosed 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.
Prof Malumfashi told newsmen that, the main opposition party in the state, All Progressive Congress (APC), has since pulled out of the race as they boycotted all electoral processes and guidelines set out by the commission.
”Six political parties are participating in the election including NNPP, ZLP, Accord Party, NRPM, AAC and AA.
Prof. Sani Malumfashi insisted that the commission is carrying out its activities under the ambit of the law. ”Every activity of the commission is procedural. We are not partisan.”
He also urged that KANSIEC staff and ad-hoc staff to resist any temptation of bribery and ensure that under-age children are not allowed to vote.
Prof. Malumfashi also reminded politicians that vote-buying, thuggery and other forms of violence contravene the state electoral guidelines.
He maintained that the expectations of all democrats and lovers of democracy is that, the Friday’s Kano High Court judgement that gave a nod for the election to be respected.
The reports indicated 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.
According to Justice Sunusi Ado Ma’aji said that the Applicant (KANSIEC) has proved their case.
”KANSIEC had approached the court seeking the court to perpetually restrain the Defendants (APC) from obstructing the local government electoral process.
He also ruled that the commission was established by the law that gives her statutory mandate to conduct elections.