LG poll: Chairmanship, councillor candidates to undergo drug test, says KANSEIC

The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission will conduct drug tests on the chairmanship and councillor candidates contesting in forthcoming local government elections.

The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Sani Malumfashi, made the disclosure during the official visit to the headquarters of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency in Kano on Tuesday.

Malumfashi emphasised that the Commission is set to conduct the drug test on candidates contesting the chairmanship and Councillorship positions.

Malumfashi added that he is seeking the cooperation of the NDLEA in the conduct of the drug test on political party candidates, as well as to submit the results to the Commission to ascertain whether they are eligible to contest or not based on the outcome of the test.

He maintained that the current electoral commission in the state is committed to doing all it can to ensure that drug addicts are denied the executive power in local government, which is the grassroots authority close to the society.

“Drug users in leadership positions of local governments will worsen the situation of drug abuse in the state, as well as result in the bankruptcy of the local government treasury by promoting and increasing drug abuse and related offences,” he emphasized.

KANSEIC’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Bashir Yahya, said the chairman is also seeking the support of the agency’s Commandant in ensuring security during and after the elections, noting that the agency is part and parcel of the electioneering process.

Responding, the State Commander of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, Abubakar Ahmad, assured the commission’s Chairman that his Command is ready to provide all the necessary support and cooperation toward the conduct of a hitch-free election in the state.

“Highlights of the event were the presentation of the elections guidelines and calendar to the Commander by the Chairman of the Commission. The NDLEA Commander also honoured Prof. Sani Malumfashi on behalf of his Command.”

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