In Kano State’s ongoing local government elections, local vigilante groups and officials from the Kano Road Transport Agency (Karota) have been observed securing polling units, as the police were absent following a court order.
Vigilante members, armed with sticks and locally crafted swords, were seen standing watch as residents prepared to cast their votes on Saturday.
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The Kano State High Court recently cleared the path for the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to conduct the elections. Justice Sanusi Ma’aji ruled that KANSIEC, empowered by the Constitution, holds the authority to manage local government elections across Kano’s 44 local government areas. This ruling dismissed attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 other political parties to halt the elections.
Electoral officials began arriving at polling units early in the day, initiating the voting process under the watch of local security personnel. This follows the Kano State Police Command’s announcement that it would comply with the court order restricting its involvement in the elections.
In a video message, Police Command spokesperson Superintendent Abdullahi Haruna explained, “We will comply with the court order restricting us from participation in the coming Kano State Local Government Election. However, we will remain steadfast in fulfilling our constitutional mandate of protection of lives and properties.”
Haruna added, “You are very much aware of the court order which was received by the Police Command here in Kano. Item nine of the order provides that the police should not participate in the forthcoming local government election in the state. However, it’s our responsibility to ensure no breakdown of law and order in the state, and we’re always alive to our responsibilities.”
The police’s absence prompted reliance on local security arrangements, marking a notable shift in the enforcement and oversight of Kano’s local government elections.
