SDP criticized some conditions set by the KTSIEC for 2025 LGs Elections in Katsina state as illegal, hindrance to democracy
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Katsina State, under the leadership of Chairman Alhaji Bello Adamu Safana, has expressed its concerns regarding the proposed 2025 Local Government Councils Elections by the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC). The KTSIEC has scheduled the elections for the 15th of February, 2025, and has established guidelines for the process.
In a Press Release issued by the Katsina State SDP’s Secretary, Malam Mustapha Mohammed Kurfi, on Friday, the 21st of June, 2024, the party criticized the conditions set by the KTSIEC for contestants vying for the positions of chairmen and councilors in the local government councils. The SDP views these conditions as illegal, retrogressive, and a hindrance to democracy.
The KTSIEC’s requirement of a non-refundable fee of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000) for chairmanship candidates and One Million Naira (N1,000,000) for councilor candidates, along with other stringent conditions, has been contested by the SDP. The party believes that these measures go against the democratic principles of the right to vote and be voted for as stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution.
As a result, the SDP has taken legal action by approaching the court to seek clarification on the legality of the KTSIEC’s requirements. The party aims to ensure that the local government system in Katsina State is effective in delivering services to the people, thereby addressing economic hardships and security challenges in the communities.
The SDP’s decision to seek legal interpretation is driven by the desire to have candidates with the necessary capacity and character to lead at the local government level. The party also aims to create a level playing field for all political parties in the state, as opposed to the current situation where the ruling party dominates the political landscape.
The Katsina State High Court has set the 24th of June, 2024, as the date for the hearing of the case brought forward by the SDP. The party hopes that through this legal process, clarity will be provided on the jurisdiction of the KTSIEC in imposing conditions for contesting in the Local Government Elections.
The SDP’s stance reflects its commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring that the electoral process is fair and inclusive for all candidates. The party’s actions aim to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the local government councils of Katsina State.