By Rabiu Sanusi
At least a total of 89 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) accredited as election observers have commended the conduct of the recent Local Government elections in Kano State, stating that the polls were held in the best interest of the citizens .
The CSOs, led by Comrade Victor Kalu, Director of Grassroot Development and Peace Initiative, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly manner in which the elections were conducted, despite the absence of security personnel.
According to Comrade Kalu, the Local Government election is crucial as it is closest to the public, and the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial autonomy for local governments made it imperative for the state to conduct the elections to avoid forfeiting its allocation .
The CSOs acknowledged that the elections were conducted in citizens’ interest and in a peaceful atmosphere.
The observers also applauded Governor Abba Yusuf for his resolve and commitment to ensuring good governance at the grassroots level.
in another development, the CSOs officially submitted their election report to the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).
Prof. Sani Lawal Malumfashi, Chairman of KANSIEC, received the report and praised the CSOs for their contributions to the success of the elections. He emphasized the value added by their presence and encouraged them to continue promoting democracy in Nigeria .
Malumfashi noted that the CSOs helped prevent attempts to undermine the constitutional mandate and ensured the elections’ success.
”This development comes after the All Progressives Congress (APC) had earlier filed a suit to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing voter registers for the council polls.
The elections proceeded, and the CSOs’ endorsement indicates a positive outcome.