Kaduna LG poll: PDP alleges irregularities, vows legal action

Edward Masha, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, alleged serious irregularities in the local government elections conducted across the state’s 23 local councils on Saturday. Reports indicate that the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) has confirmed the results of the elections held on October 19, 2024, declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the primary winners.

During the announcement, SIECOM Chairman Hajara Mohammed stated that eight political parties participated in the elections, with the APC securing all 23 chairmanship positions and 255 councillorship seats. “By the authority granted to the Commission, I confirm the results submitted by the returning officers: the APC has won all 23 local government chairmanship positions and 255 councillorship positions throughout the state,” she declared.

However, Masha, a former Commissioner for Water Resources in Kaduna, expressed his concerns to the media regarding the election results, alleging that vital materials, particularly the ward and local government result sheets, were absent from the electoral process. “We were invited by SIECOM to collect sensitive materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria, but upon review, we found that the result sheets were missing. This absence undermined the integrity of the elections, and our representatives opposed this misconduct,” Masha stated.

He accused the ruling APC of undermining democracy and manipulating the electoral process. “The APC predetermined its chairmanship candidates for the elections, fully aware that local government elections are fundamental to democracy. Yet, they decided to appoint chairmen as if they were sole administrators,” he added.

Masha emphasized that the PDP intends to legally contest the election results and will continue to advocate for justice on behalf of the citizens. “We will not accept this farce. We will not allow democracy to be extinguished. We will challenge this process in court and persist in our pursuit of justice for our people.”

He pointed out various irregularities observed during the elections, stating that the absence of ward and local government result sheets, the use of outdated polling unit result sheets from 2021, and a lack of transparency in the distribution of electoral materials were significant issues. “The Kaduna State Government assured us that all electoral materials, including result sheets, would be provided, but the reality tells a different story. This is a calculated effort to undermine the democratic process,” Masha remarked, adding, “Kaduna State is in distress, and democracy is in jeopardy. We must bring this to public attention and demand justice.”

Masha urged party members and supporters to remain resolute. “We will continue to fight for democracy and justice. We will not back down,” he concluded.