The Kaduna Democracy Watch has outrightly rejected the local government elections held on Saturday in Kaduna State, labeling the process a “sham.” In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s Coordinator, Isaac Tanko, expressed outrage over the proceedings, claiming they were a “disgraceful, planned charade” orchestrated under the guise of a legitimate electoral process.
“We, the Kaduna Democracy Watch, are disgusted by what took place on Saturday under the false pretense of a local government election,” Tanko stated. He criticized the announcement made by the chairperson of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM), Hajiya Hajara Mohammed, which declared the APC as the winner of all 23 local governments and 255 ward council seats. “This shocking announcement was made while voters at polling units waited for election materials that never arrived,” he added.
The group denounced the elections as a blatant mockery of democracy and a power grab by a leadership that disregards the rights of the citizens. “This shameful act is not just unacceptable; it is an insult to the people of Kaduna State and to the very idea and ideals of democracy,” Tanko asserted.
The statement further condemned Governor Uba Sani for permitting what they characterized as a betrayal of democratic principles. “What happened on Saturday wasn’t an election. It was a preplanned rigging operation,” Tanko remarked. He noted that rumors had circulated prior to the elections, suggesting that APC candidates would be declared winners regardless of the actual voting process.
The group accused Governor Sani of undermining democratic norms by handpicking party chairmanship candidates without allowing for free and fair primaries. “The governor knew there wouldn’t be real elections but still pushed out a fake timetable, forcing people to spend their hard-earned money on campaigns,” Tanko said. He highlighted additional grievances, including SIECOM’s alleged illegal fees—N2 million for chairmanship candidates and N500,000 for councillorship candidates—and the disqualification of many opposition candidates without just cause.
“This is daylight robbery. This is shameful. We will not stand by and watch this happen. We will explore every legal means on behalf of all those who were extorted, shortchanged, and disenfranchised,” Tanko vowed.
The group demanded that Governor Sani organize proper elections that are free and fair for all parties involved. They emphasized that failure to do so would signify a lack of regard for the people of Kaduna State and a willingness to allow democracy to wither under his administration.
