The Kano State Independent National Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has announced a new date for the upcoming local government council elections, shifting the polls from the previously scheduled October 26 to November 30. The decision was made public by KANSIEC Chairman, Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi, during an emergency stakeholders meeting on Friday.
Professor Malumfashi explained that the date adjustment was prompted by a recent Supreme Court judgment regarding local government financial autonomy. This ruling necessitated changes in the electoral timetable to ensure compliance with the court’s directives.
KANSIEC has called for understanding and cooperation from political parties and other stakeholders in adhering to the new election date. The commission had earlier set nomination fees at N10 million for chairmanship positions and N5 million for councillorship positions.
According to the updated schedule, election campaigns are set to commence on September 1, with the sale of nomination forms beginning on September 16. The submission and verification of forms will take place on September 27, and political parties will have until October 18 to substitute candidates if necessary.
Professor Malumfashi also stated that election results would be declared immediately after the votes are counted, with a runoff, if needed, scheduled for November 9.
The rescheduling aims to ensure a smooth and legally compliant election process in line with the recent judicial ruling.