Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State praised the smooth and peaceful conduct of the recent Local Government elections held across the 44 local government areas of Kano. He made his remarks at the headquarters of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) after casting his vote in Gwale Local Government Area on Saturday.
The governor expressed deep gratitude for the support from electoral commission chairpersons from other states who monitored the elections, underscoring the value of their oversight.
Notably, he described the election as historic, calling it the “freest in the history of Kano,” and recognized the efforts of KANSIEC and its staff for organizing transparent and fair elections across 484 wards in the state.
Governor Yusuf highlighted his commitment to serving the people’s interests, assuring that those elected would uphold the principles of good governance and prioritizing the needs of Kano residents.
He further emphasized that electoral processes should be free from intimidation, urging respect for voters’ choices and the integrity of the process. “When it comes to elections, there should be no impunity, and we must allow people to cast their votes freely,” he stated.
Addressing the judiciary, the governor called for impartiality, stressing the importance of a non-partisan judiciary in upholding democratic values. He noted that, although the Kano State government, led by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is unique in its political stance, it should not face undue intimidation.
“The people of Kano are peace-loving,” he remarked, adding that while the citizens value peace, they are also prepared to stand up for their rights if pushed. He referenced recent incidents in Rivers State, explaining that proactive measures were taken to avoid any similar issues in Kano.
In a message to the opposition, Governor Yusuf urged acceptance of the election results, pointing out that the NNPP holds substantial voter support within Kano State. “I appeal to the opposition to accept the outcome,” he said, emphasizing the NNPP’s strong voter base.
An observer from the Sokoto State Electoral Commission, Aliyu Sulaiman, also commended the peaceful nature of the elections, reinforcing the governor’s sentiments on the integrity and success of the process.
