Kaduna State Assembly Speaker Urges Peaceful Participation in Upcoming Local Government Elections

By; Ibrahim Aliyu, Staff Reporter

The Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman, has urged the residents of Kaduna State to come out en masse and cast their votes peacefully in the upcoming Local Government Area (LGA) elections scheduled for October. Liman made this call while speaking to journalists during the screening of candidates vying for various LGA councillorship seats in the state.

Hon. Yusuf Liman, who also serves as the Chairman of the Kaduna State LGA Elections Screening Committee, emphasized the importance of civic engagement. He encouraged citizens not to relent in their efforts to participate in the democratic process, underscoring that voting is a fundamental civic responsibility. "Exercising your electoral franchise and casting your votes is crucial for shaping the future of our local governance," he stated.

The Speaker also urged the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the electoral process, advising them to prioritize credible candidates when casting their ballots. He stressed that selecting trustworthy leaders is essential for achieving the desired success and stability within the state's local governance.

Addressing concerns about the transparency of the election process, Hon. Liman assured that the Kaduna State LGA Elections Screening Committee would conduct its duties with fairness and transparency. “We will ensure that all candidates receive fair hearings in accordance with the rules and regulations of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and in alignment with global democratic practices,” Liman added.

Preparations for the upcoming LGA elections are reportedly in full swing, with multiple political parties, including the ruling APC, conducting state congresses and internal elections to nominate candidates. These efforts aim to position their representatives for chairmanship and councillorship positions across the state's LGAs and respective wards.

The upcoming elections are part of a broader initiative by some state governments, including Kaduna, to ensure elected officials fill local government executive positions. This initiative aligns with a recent Supreme Court verdict, mandating the conduct of elections for such offices within three months. The verdict supports the implementation of financial autonomy for LGAs, following a suit filed by the Federal Government to strengthen local governance.

As Kaduna State approaches its LGA elections, Speaker Liman's call to action highlights the importance of peaceful participation and the role of voters in fostering transparent and effective local governance.