Three Major Parties Not On Ballot Papers In Kano Assembly By-Election

Three major opposition political parties – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) were absent from ballot papers for yesterday’s Kano State House of Assembly by-election.

The election was to fill two vacant seats in the state assembly following the deaths of two lawmakers last year. The deceased legislators were elected on the platform of the NNPP before their demise.

Checks by our correspondent at several polling units revealed that nine political parties were listed on the ballot papers, excluding the PDP, NNPP and ADC which are considered key opposition parties in the state.

The absence of the three parties raised concerns among voters and party supporters, particularly as the NNPP previously held the affected seats.

Reacting to the development, the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Amb. Zango Abdu, said the commission should not be blamed for the non-participation of any political party.

He maintained that political parties are solely responsible for fielding candidates in any election.

“Why do you think other opposition parties, big opposition parties, did not take part in this election? And some of them are also accusing INEC of certain issues. We have not received any accusation or anything,” he said.

According to him, INEC does not determine which political parties participate in elections, stressing that participation is guided strictly by compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“That they are not participating is entirely the responsibility of the parties. We don’t decide who participates.

Whoever conducts primaries, submits a candidate, uploads the details and satisfies all the necessary guidelines as contained in the Electoral Act is recognised as a candidate.

“So that decision is for the parties, and I think it is the parties that will answer that question for you,” Abdu added.