Reactions have been mixed following the recently concluded local government elections in Kaduna, which took place on Saturday, October 19th.
While the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kaduna state described the LG election in the state as sham, the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) on Saturday commended the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (Kad-Siec) for the successful conduct of the local government elections in the state.
Contained in a statement issued by the chairman of the group, Salihu Suleiman and made available to newsmen on Sunday.
The statement noted that,”We are pleased to note that the voters in Kaduna State demonstrated a high level of civic responsibility and commitment to the democratic process by participating in the elections.
“Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing security situation, voters adhered to safety protocols and exercised their right to vote in a peaceful and orderly manner.
“We would also like to commend the police and other security agencies for their professional conduct during the elections.
“Their presence helped to ensure a safe and secure environment for voters to exercise their democratic rights. We appreciate their efforts in maintaining law and order throughout the electoral process.
However, for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kaduna state described the LG election in the state as sham.
The State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edward Masha alleged gross irregularities in the local government elections held across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.
Masha, while addressing journalists on the outcome of the poll, expressed concerns over the exclusion of crucial materials, specifically ward and local government result sheets, from the electoral process.
“We were invited by SIECOM to receive sensitive materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria, but upon inspection, we discovered that the result sheets were missing. This omission compromised the integrity of the elections, and our representatives stood against the impunity,” Masha said.
Masha accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of killing democracy and undermining the electoral process.
“The APC has appointed its chairmanship candidates for the poll, knowing fully well that local government elections are the bedrock of democracy. But today, they said no. We will appoint a chairman for us like sole administrators by the government,” he added.
He emphasised that the PDP would challenge the process in court and continue to seek justice for the people.
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