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APC Clears Kano LG Polls, Nigerians Chides KANSIEC over Child Voting

The Chairman, State Independent Electoral Commission of Kano State KANSIEC, Prof. Garba Sheka, has revealed that the ruling All Progressive Congress cleared all 44 Local government Chairmen seats in the State.

He made this known while announcing the results of last Saturday’s LG election held in the State. According to him, 12 political parties participated in the election, while the APC received 2,350,577 votes. He noted that the party also cleared all councillorship seats across the 484 wards of the State.

Prof. Sheka revealed that although the election was successful, minor challenges were experienced during the election process. He lauded the state government, security agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and the general public for their support in ensuring the poll’s success.

He noted that there was no government interference from the beginning to the end of the election activities.
Meanwhile, the Kano Civil Society Situation Room reported that the election was peaceful but noted low turnout.

According to Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, the Lead Convener, “The Situation Room observed that the elections’ conduct was relatively peaceful, as there was security presence in every polling unit.
“It was observed that voters had a low turnout in most polling units, especially among women and persons with disability.

“We acknowledged the vital role played by Police, together with other security agencies, in securing polling units and curtailing few disturbances, especially in the part of Sabon Gari Southward of Fagge LGA.

“Shortage of ballot papers in some polling units was reported, but quickly addressed by KANSIEC.
“COVID-19 Social Distance and other prevention protocols were not adhered to in most of the polling units.

“There were reports of underage presence in two polling units, but were quickly addressed through the intervention of the situation room,” Waiya, however, stated.

However, Nigerians have decried the high rate of underage appearance recorded in the voting process. With several pictures and videos that circulated social media during the poll’s conduct, the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission was reprimanded for allowing children to vote in the election.

The Nigerian law stipulates that Nigerians from 18 years and above are eligible to vote. Although, many states have, in recent times, witnessed child voting even during federal elections.

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