Kaduna SIECOM Steps Up Screening for Local Government Chairmanship Candidates Ahead of October Elections

By; Ibrahim Aliyu Gusau 

The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) has intensified its screening exercise for candidates seeking election to chairmanship positions from various political parties. The screening is part of preparations for the forthcoming Local Government Elections, scheduled for October 19, 2024.

This follows the earlier screening of candidates for ward councillorship positions, conducted at different zonal offices across the state. SIECOM has now turned its focus to chairmanship candidates, with the exercise organized according to the three geopolitical zones recognized in the state. 

The process began with candidates from Zone Three (Southern Kaduna Senatorial District), followed by Zone One (Kaduna North Senatorial District). Screening for candidates from the remaining areas of Kaduna Central Senatorial District, which includes three Local Government Areas in Kaduna metropolis, is ongoing.

During a visit to SIECOM headquarters on Sokoto Road in Kaduna, the scene was bustling as candidates from political parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presented themselves for screening.

Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Bello, Labour Party’s chairmanship candidate for Sabon Gari LGA in Zaria, expressed satisfaction with the screening process but voiced concerns about the recent increase in the SIECOM nomination form fees. 

He noted that the fee had been raised from ₦200,000 to ₦2 million, a move he described as "exorbitant." Bello revealed that some opposition parties were planning to seek legal redress to challenge or reduce the amount.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Sulaiman Ibrahim Dabo, the PDP chairmanship candidate for Zaria LGA, described the screening as efficient and transparent. He urged Kaduna residents to disregard rumors that the ruling party was manipulating the process and called for a massive voter turnout in support of credible candidates.

SIECOM is expected to address concerns raised by candidates and provide an official statement regarding the screening exercise at the conclusion of the process, which is anticipated to happen by the coming Monday.