The local government elections in Kano state have commenced peacefully without the notable presence of federal security agencies, including the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)Government internship
The elections are taking place across 44 local government areas, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) expressing confidence in his party’s victory, citing strong public support.
However, the elections have been marred by controversy, with a Federal High Court earlier attempting to halt the process due to questions over the legitimacy of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).
The Kano State High Court later granted the KANSIEC the authority to proceed with the local government elections, nullifying all attempts by political parties to stop the exercise.
Justice Sanusi Ma’aji, who presided over the case, ruled that KANSIEC is empowered by the Constitution to conduct, supervise, and oversee local government elections across the 44 local government areas (LGAs) in Kano State.
KANSIEC brought the case against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 other political parties.
While major streets in the state were observed to be empty, the Kano Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA) and local vigilantes are maintaining security at the polling units.
This was after the Kano State Police Command said it would comply with a court order, restricting it from taking part in the election.
This was revealed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police, Abdullahi Haruna, on Friday in a video message made available to Channels Television.
“We will comply with the court order restricting us from participation in the coming Kano State Local Government Election. However, we will remain steadfast in fulfilling our constitutional mandate of protection of lives and properties.
“Following the court order restricting the police and the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, the police vows to abide by the court order by not taking part in the forthcoming local government elections.
“You are very much aware of the court order which was received by the Police Command here in Kano. Item nine of the order provides that the Police should not participate in the forthcoming local government election in the state.
“So, the Police in Kano are not participating in the election. However, it’s our responsibility to ensure no breakdown of law and order in the state and we’re always alive to our responsibilities,” Haruna said.
As of the time of filing this report, police officers were nowhere in sight at the polling units.
Some members of the local security officials were, however, seen clutching sticks and locally-forged swords, while standing behind the residents as they get set to cast their votes.
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