The Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna State chapter, has wholly rejected the results of the council elections held on Saturday, October 19, as announced by Hajiya Hajara Mohammed, chairperson of KADSIECOM.
In a statement issued by state chairman Luka Binniyat, the group appealed to Governor Uba Sani to critically review the election results and take decisive action that would bolster democracy in the state, thereby enhancing the trust and hope citizens have in his leadership.
Binniyat stated, “We plead with the Kaduna State House of Assembly to amend the KADSIECOM law to include heavy fines and jail terms for electoral offenses, especially for officials handling electoral matters. If not, what was read by Hajia Hajara Mohammed stands as an annoying charade; an insult to the collective intelligence of our people and a significant step backward for Kaduna State.”
He urged Governor Sani to acknowledge the unique dynamics of Kaduna State, noting its advanced and cosmopolitan nature, as well as its volatility regarding electoral matters. As the state’s leader, he should intervene promptly.
Binniyat expressed that while it is possible for the APC to win all 23 local government areas, it must do so fairly, allowing for a transparent process that enables genuine collaboration for a better Kaduna.
He alleged that elections did not take place in 12 local government areas in the Middle Belt region, claiming that election materials arrived late and without results sheets. He stated that many voters, suspicious of irregularities, chose not to participate.
With no legitimate elections held, he asserted there was no basis for announcing results for councilors or local government chairmen as stipulated in KADSIECOM law, Part VI, Section 23 (1) and (2). Binniyat emphasized that no results were declared in the 12 local government areas known as Southern Kaduna.
He criticized the dissemination of documents on social media purporting to be KADSIECOM results sheets, stating that such claims are unfounded since no results were collected at the polls.
“It would be unfortunate and detrimental to the integrity that Governor Uba Sani has established if he allows Hajia Hajara Mohammed’s announcement to stand as the actual results of the supposed local government election,” Binniyat warned.
He lamented the ongoing trend of undermining local government positions during elections, stating that such actions harm democracy and undermine societal progress, warning of the long-term implications for those who perpetrate such injustices.
