The Interim Labour Party (LP) Exco of Kaduna State and stakeholders from all 23 local government areas of Kaduna State has made a passionate plea to Kaduna State Governor, Sen. UBA Sani, to cut down the exorbitant fees charge by Kaduna State Independent Electoral Services Commission (KAD-SIECOM) in the forth coming October 19th, 2024 Local Government Council election.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Interim LP Exco chairman, Elder Solomon Danbaki, Monday and made available to newsmen.
Reads the statement:
“The Interim Labour Party Exco of Kaduna State is mandated to oversee the Labour Party’s participation in the forthcoming Local Government Council election scheduled for October 19th, 2024.
‘We express deep concern over the financial requirements stipulated in the recent guidelines released by the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) for the 2024 Local Government Councils Election.
“The exorbitant non-refundable deposit of ₦2,000,000.00 for Chairmanship candidates and ₦500,000.00 for Councilor candidates places an undue burden on aspiring candidates, hindering popular participation in the electoral process.
“In light of these challenges, we urgently call upon His Excellency Governor Uba Sani to intervene by urging KAD-SIECOM and the Kaduna State House of Assembly to reverse the law imposing these financial requirements.
“We appeal to His Excellency, known for his democratic principles and responsiveness to the people of Kaduna State since assuming office, to consider the hardships faced by grassroots candidates and the implications for democratic participation.
“It is essential to prioritize the welfare of the people and ensure that the electoral process remains inclusive and accessible to all aspiring candidates. By reversing the law that imposes prohibitive financial burdens, His Excellency can demonstrate a commitment to upholding democratic values and promoting popular participation in local government elections.
“The people of Kaduna State look to His Excellency Governor Uba Sani for leadership in addressing this critical issue and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process that reflects the will of the people.
“Furthermore, we call on the Judiciary to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. We urge the Honorable Chief Justice of the State to ensure that Judges and judicial officers of proven integrity and experience are assigned to handle and administer the State Election Tribunals.
“This will ensure that disputes arising from the forthcoming Local Government Councils Election are resolved fairly and in accordance with the law,” ends the statement.
It could be recalled that a letter signed by former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, now the Chairman of National Transition Committee of the LP and his secretary, Engr Nwawuihe Nwauwa dated 15th August, 2024 sent to The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Kaduna state State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) gave the name of Solomon Yusuf Danbaki as the Chairman of the 12-member TC with the Secretary as Sani Musa Sahabi.
Other members are:
- Comrd. Jonathan Musa – NLC Political Commission Representative/Political Advisor
- Hon. Ezekiel Babakarik- Deputy Chairman
- Alhaji Isa Chiroma Deba – Organizing Secretary
- Comrd. Rose Nkom Katung – Women Leader
- Comrd. Saratu Larai Shekari – Treasurer
- Comrd. Muhammad Yahaya Rigasa – Assistant Secretary
- Barr Ben Churchill – Legal Advisor
- Hon. Amos Sheyin – Contact and Mobilization
- Hannatu Samuel – Financial Secretary
- Natty Auta – Public Relations Officer
