The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has sparked widespread outrage among political parties and stakeholders with its decision to set nomination fees of N10 million for chairmanship positions and N5 million for councilorship positions.
Despite growing criticism, KANSIEC’s Executive Chairman, Professor Sani Lawan Malumfashi, has remained resolute, insisting that the fees will not be reviewed or reduced.
In a statement, Malumfashi defended the commission’s decision, citing the high cost of conducting elections in Kano State. “We are not going to change or reduce the fees. It’s already in our guidelines and already a law to us,” he said. “Kano state is one state equals to three with 44 LGA’S, 484 wards, 11022 polling units, over 6 million voters, and we are recruiting over thirty thousand adhoc staff. We are also going to spend huge amounts on materials and logistics.”
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However, critics argue that the steep fees will discourage qualified candidates from running and promote money politics. “This is a clear attempt to monetize politics and shut out capable individuals who don’t have deep pockets,” said a spokesperson for one of the political parties. “It’s undemocratic and goes against the principles of free and fair elections.”
The decision has sparked outrage among political parties, with some officials of the ruling NNPP party being among the most vocal critics. “We are surprised that KANSIEC would take such a decision, especially given the current economic situation in the country,” said an NNPP official. “It’s clear that they are trying to favor certain individuals and parties.”
The sale of nomination forms is set to begin on October 1st, with a deadline for submission on October 18th. The controversy surrounding the nomination fees has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process in Kano State. Stakeholders are calling on KANSIEC to review its decision and ensure that the electoral process is inclusive and democratic.