LG poll: KANSIEC slashes nomination fees, mandates drug, psychiatric tests

Ahead of the 26th October council poll in Kano, the state Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has announced a downward review of nomination forms for the positions of Chairmanship and Councillorship.

KANSIEC’s decision came after three opposition parties secured an interim injunction restraining the commission from imposing N10 million and N5 million for Chairmanship and Councillorship forms, respectively.

The parties involved in the litigation include the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Briefing journalists on Friday, Chairman of the commission Professor Lawan Malumfashi stated that the new cost of N9 million for the Chairmanship and N4 million for the Councillorship nomination forms was arrived at after due diligence.

Professor Malumfashi explained that despite the high cost of materials and logistics due to economic realities, the commission considered the downward review in compliance with the court order.

Although the order restraining KANSIEC did not specify an amount or restrain the commission ‘perpetually’ from placing another cost for nomination forms, Professor Malumfashi stressed that the provision of Section 51 (a)(b) of KANSIEC laws allows the commission to charge any amount deemed reasonable.

He added that nomination forms will be available for sale beginning from Monday, 15th September 2024, at various financial institutions. Similarly, he noted that party primaries will conclude on Saturday, 14th September, and the submission of names of aspirants is expected to reach the commission immediately.

The KANSIEC boss, however, reminded political parties of the requirement for drug and psychiatric tests for aspirants, stating that it is mandatory for all interested parties to secure a clean bill of health in the two procedures.

He remained silent on what will become of the 20 aspirants of the NNPP who were reported to have tested positive for narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Chairman of the ruling party, Hashimu Dungurawa, has challenged the credibility of the test, insisting that the party is satisfied with the moral and educational credentials of the aspirants.

On campaigns, Professor Malumfashi appealed to parties to address pertinent issues and solutions to challenges facing the electorate, rather than engaging in derogatory language that could further heighten tension in the state.