Why PDP will not participate in Kano local government’s election.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu. On October 26, 2024
Hon. Ali Aminu Abubakar Dawaki, former PDP candidate for the Kano State House of Assembly representing Dawakin Kudu Local Government, has shared his reasons for the party’s decision not to participate in the upcoming local government elections in Kano.
In an exclusive interview, with Democracy Newsline Reporter, he expressed concerns over the election’s integrity, describing it as lacking fairness and transparency. Dawaki attributed this to what he views as the “one-party system” approach practiced by many state governors, suggesting they heavily influence local government appointments, favoring loyalists rather than promoting genuine democratic processes.
He stated, “We are not participating in this type of local government election because it’s neither free nor fair. The current state governors have essentially predetermined the election’s outcome, choosing who will be chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary well before Election Day. Given this, it would be a waste of our party’s time and resources.”
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Dawaki also discussed the broader socio-economic issues facing Nigeria since PDP’s tenure ended, pointing to what he described as deteriorating living conditions under the APC administration. He cited issues in security, education, healthcare, water supply, electricity, and food security. “During the PDP administration, people could sleep peacefully in their homes. Education was sound, healthcare was accessible, and the economy was thriving. Foreign investors were eager to come to Nigeria. Today, many Nigerians struggle to get by.”
In a bid to improve electoral fairness, he called on the National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take responsibility for conducting all local government elections across Nigeria. Dawaki believes this would allow for a more level playing field for all political parties and reduce the influence of state governors.
He concluded by urging for peaceful conduct during the elections and advised Nigerian youth to refrain from engaging in activities that could jeopardize their futures.
