Dozens of aspirants for the House of Representatives and State Assembly on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have protested the imposition of candidates and violations of electoral guidelines by the electoral panels in Kano State.
The aspirants from the 44 local government areas of the state took their protests to the Appeal and Complaints committee at Prince Hotel, Kano, alleging injustice, imposition of candidates and irregularities in the processes.
Abdullahi Ramat, one of the House of Representatives aspirants for Ungogo/Minjibir Federal Constituency, kicked against the process that led to the emergence of one Tajo Zaura as candidate.
“The panel of the primaries neither contacted nor informed me about the venue of the primaries as an aspirant. I later learned they went to the private residence of the anointed contender and organised the process.
“He was voted by people who are neither delegate nor members of our great party. This is clear violation of electoral guidelines.
“I will challenge this charade and injustice. The people of this constituency have enormous hope on my person, considering the poor representation they have suffered. They need someone with concern for people’s well-being, capacity and exposure to represent them at the House of Representatives,” said Mr Ramat, an engineer.
Apart from Ungogo/Minjibr case, there were also dispute in other constituencies such as Nassarawa, where Abba Boss and Umar Tanko Yakasai are challenging the emergence of Ado Muhammad Hotoro as candidate of the party.
In Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal Constituency, Garba Fammar, an aspirant for House of Representatives, is challenging the emergence of Sani Muhammad in Rano, alleging violation of electoral guidelines and imposition.
In Tarauni Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Maihula, Hamza Faruk Iya, Ali Tukur are challenging the emergence of Nasiru Dikko as candidate, while in Gwale, Abdullahi Imam and other party stakeholders were seen in the hotel complaining about the imposition of Yusuf Babangida as House of Assembly candidate against Basiru Dandago, who they claimed was the actual winner of the election.
Contacted for comment, members of the appeal panel declined comment on the matter.
The publicity secretary of the caretaker committee Jamilu Dambatta neither picked the calls of this reporter nor respond to his text message.
On October 2, party leaders loyal to Kwankwasiyya faction of the PDP held a governorship primaries in Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s residence and declared his son in-law, Abba Yusuf, winner.
