The Kaduna State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has voiced displeasure with the October 19 council elections, calling it an electoral theft of the state’s citizens.
Rev. Caleb Ma’aji, the state chairman of CAN, clarified that the state’s residents viewed the local government election as a chance to exercise their right to vote at the grassroots level by choosing the candidates of their choice. They bemoaned the fact that they were later denied this opportunity after spending the entire day waiting for the necessary materials and being humiliated without casting their ballots.
According to him, “Reports from our officials from the various local government areas in the state indicated that people waited for the necessary materials to cast their votes but all in vain after spending the whole day waiting for KADSIECOM officials, only for the same commission to announce the winners of chairmen and councillors in the 23 council areas in the state.
“The chairperson of the commission, Hajia Hajara Mohammed, only announced the winners of the elections without the number of votes won by the candidates as well as those of other candidates from other political parties that participated in the elections.”
He clarified that although Kaduna State residents have begun to settle down with the belief that Governor Uba Sani is, to a certain degree, guiding the people via his government, the way the council elections were held and announced left everyone feeling let down.
According to him, CAN urged the state governor and the State Independent Electoral Commission to step up and make sure that the right thing is done by making sure that all eligible voters’ votes are counted completely and that the winners, regardless of their political party, are declared.
According to Ma’aji, “The international best practice and the rule of law of the democratic processes should not only be seen to be upheld but be seen to be done in a modern society like ours where citizens deserve their rights to be protected and seen to be done for the overall peaceful coexistence and development of the state.
“We call on Christian faithful to remain calm as we believe that the right thing will be done to address the abnormality.”
In addition, he urged Governor Uba Sani, who has vowed to treat all citizens fairly, equally, and justly, to not let anyone discredit him or his hard-won reputation. He stated that the state’s unity, peace, and advancement depend on resolving the preventable issues and doing the right thing.