The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has mandated that candidates vying for chairmanship positions in the upcoming local government elections must pay ₦10 million, while those seeking councillorship seats are required to pay ₦5 million.
This announcement was made by KANSIEC Chairman, Professor Sani Lawan Malumfashi, during the presentation of election guidelines and the timetable to political party representatives at the commission’s headquarters on Thursday.
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Professor Malumfashi outlined the qualifications and disqualifications for candidates, emphasizing that all aspirants must be card-carrying members of political parties. He stated that chairmanship candidates must be at least 30 years old, and councillorship candidates must be at least 25 years old.
He further stressed that candidates should not be bankrupt, ex-convicts, or involved in drug addiction or secret societies. “Chairmanship aspirants must not be bankrupt or ex-convicts. They must be physically and mentally healthy and obtain at least a secondary school certificate. All the aspirants and candidates must not be drug addicts or members of secret societies,” Malumfashi said.
Campaigns are scheduled to begin on September 6 and will conclude on October 31. Malumfashi urged political parties to conduct peaceful rallies, warning against the use of disparaging and abusive comments during campaigns. “You must be tolerant of one another. You should be civil and democratic in your campaigns. The campaigns should be issue-based, not personal attacks,” he advised.
He also highlighted the importance of addressing critical issues such as poverty, infrastructure, women and youth empowerment, and the inclusion of disadvantaged groups during campaigns. “We will not condone violence, as it contradicts election laws. Personal oral and physical attacks are discouraged in the election and are punishable by law,” Malumfashi added.
