Kaduna Assembly Denies Plans to Amend Local Government Electoral Law

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has refuted claims that it intends to amend the state’s Local Government Electoral Law ahead of the local government elections scheduled for October 19, 2024.

Henry Marah, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, made the announcement during a press briefing in Kaduna on Wednesday. He stated that no such amendment was included in the order paper for the Assembly’s October 9 session.

This clarification comes in response to concerns raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the legitimacy of the upcoming council election. Edward Masha, the state chairman of the PDP, alleged that the Assembly was attempting to amend the Kaduna State Local Government Law, 2024, just 11 days before the election.

“The proposed amendment contradicts the Local Government Election Law, which was already amended and gazetted in July 2024,” Masha said during a press conference.

Masha warned that the PDP would not tolerate any attempts to undermine the electoral process, accusing the Assembly of plotting to manipulate the election by changing provisions related to the declaration of results and the appointment of collation officers. “We call on the Governor of Kaduna State, security agencies, and the general public to ensure that the upcoming election is peaceful and free from violence,” he added.

He emphasized the importance of transparent and fair elections, describing local government polls as vital to Nigeria’s democracy, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution. “It is essential that the election reflects the will of the people,” Masha stated, referencing Sections 23 and 24 of the Kaduna State Local Government Election Law, which outline the procedures for announcing results and appointing election officials.

Masha also cautioned that the PDP and the people of Kaduna would resist any attempts to rig the polls.

In response, Marah dismissed the PDP’s claims, reiterating that the House had not discussed or considered any amendments to the electoral law. “We have adhered to our order paper, and there is no mention of electoral law amendments. Since the July Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments, there has been no such discussion in the House,” Marah said.

He acknowledged that a prior amendment had removed the use of electronic voting machines due to logistical challenges presented by the short notice for the elections. “The Independent National Electoral Commission increased the number of polling units across the state, and at that time, the state was not prepared to procure the machines,” he explained.

Marah assured the public that the Assembly remains committed to serving the interests of the people and will not act contrary to their welfare, emphasizing that the legislative body operates independently and without interference from the state government.

Gathered By: Praise Inalegwu

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