Middle Belt Forum Raises Concerns Over Kaduna Local Government Elections

Mike Odeh James

The Kaduna State chapter of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed profound concern and fear regarding the recent Local Government elections in the state.

According to the Kaduna State Chairman of Middle Belt Forum, Luka Binniyat, the elections did not hold in the overwhelming twelve LGAs of the Middle Belt in Kaduna state, contrary to claims by the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) Chairman, Hajia Hajara Mohammed.

In a press statement released on October twentieth, two thousand twenty-four, the MBF stated that a trending video featuring Hajia Mohammed announcing the results of the supposed October nineteenth, two thousand twenty-four Local Government Chairmanship and Councilors election was alarming. In the video, Mohammed claimed that elections took place in all two hundred fifty-five wards of the state and its twenty-three LGAs, with the APC winning all twenty-three LGAs Chairmanship positions and all two hundred fifty-five Councilors’ seats.

The MBF disputed this claim, citing reports from its members and observers on the ground. The organization stated that elections did not hold in the twelve LGAs of the Middle Belt zone, also known as Southern Kaduna, due to late arrival of election materials and lack of results sheets.

The MBF further alleged that no results were declared at ward levels or Local Government Headquarters as mandated by law. Instead, documents purporting to be KAD-SIECOM results sheets were circulated on social media, apportioning votes to parties without any actual polling taking place.

The MBF called on Governor Uba Sani to intervene, stressing that the APC could win fairly, but only under the rules. They also called on the Kaduna State House of Assembly to amend the KAD-SIECOM law to include heavy fines and jail terms for electoral offenses.

The organization urged its members to remain calm and advised those celebrating the announced results to do so with caution. They emphasized the need to resist ballot banditry and encouraged aggrieved members to seek electoral panels and judicial remedies.

Recommendations by the MBF include

Amend KAD-SIECOM Law to include heavy fines and jail terms for electoral offenses

Governor’s Intervention: Governor Uba Sani should critically appraise the election and take a courageous position

Electoral Integrity: Ensure elections are free, fair, and transparent

The MBF concluded that if the announced results stand, it would be a bad omen for two thousand twenty-seven and a leap backward for democracy in Kaduna state.