Kaduna LG Polls: CAN Decries Electoral Robbery

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, has voiced strong disapproval of the October 19 council elections, labeling them as electoral robbery against the state’s citizens.

Rev. Caleb Ma’aji, the state chairman of CAN, explained that many residents viewed the local government elections as a crucial opportunity to vote for their preferred candidates at the grassroots level. However, they were ultimately denied this chance, spending the entire day waiting for election materials that never arrived.

“Reports from our officials across various local government areas indicate that voters waited all day for the necessary materials, only to be disappointed when KADSIECOM officials failed to deliver,” he stated. “The commission then announced the winners of the chairmanship and councilor positions in all 23 council areas without disclosing the vote counts for any candidates or parties involved.”

Ma’aji noted that while the people of Kaduna State have begun to feel that Governor Uba Sani is somewhat inclusive in his governance, the conduct and announcement of the council elections raise serious concerns.

He urged both the state governor and the State Independent Electoral Commission to take immediate action to ensure that every eligible vote is counted and that results are announced fairly, regardless of political affiliation.

“The principles of international best practices and the rule of law in democratic processes must not only be upheld but actively implemented in our society, where citizens’ rights should be protected for the overall peace and development of the state,” he said.

Ma’aji called on Christian faithful to remain calm, expressing hope that the necessary corrections would be made to address these irregularities. He also urged Governor Uba Sani, who has committed to being fair and just, to safeguard his reputation and address these challenges to foster unity, peace, and progress among the people of Kaduna State.