KEY POINTS
- KADSIEC releases screening timetable for LG election candidates.
- Screening runs from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at local government headquarters.
- President Tinubu stresses the importance of effective grassroots governance.
Kaduna State has come out with the screening schedule for chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the scheduled October 19, 2024 local government elections. The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIEC) then introduced the timetable, as the next step in preparation for this significant grassroots election.
Candidates to be Screened Starting September 9
The screening exercise as informed by KADSIEC is scheduled to commence from 9am to 6pm, from Monday, 9th September, 2024 to Monday, 16th September, 2024. The venues for the exercise will be at the respective local government headquarters, so it will prepare candidates adequately for the election.
The details were provided and confirmed by the chairperson of the Nigerian electoral commission, Hajara Mohammed in a statement signed on Friday. “Pursuant to section 19 of the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2024 and the 2024 Local Government Council Election Timetable, all the candidates will be screened during this time,” she said.
This screening is important in order to allow only eligible persons to be allowed to participate in the elections. Local governments have the most critical responsibility of delivering services at the base, according to Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu.
President Tinubu Urges Efficient Grassroots Governance
In light of the upcoming elections, President Bola Tinubu praised a July Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the constitutional rights of local governments. According to the President, local councils must take up the responsibility of delivering essential services that directly impact citizens at the grassroots.
He noted that effective governance at the local level is key to ensuring that Nigerians feel the direct benefits of leadership. With Kaduna’s local government elections fast approaching, expectations are high for elected officials to perform and improve public service delivery.
The elections in Kaduna come at a time when local governance has increasingly taken center stage in Nigeria’s broader political and developmental landscape. The scheduled screening of candidates is a significant step in ensuring that credible individuals are put forward to serve in these important roles.
What’s Next for Candidates
Following the screening exercise, successful candidates will be officially cleared to contest the October elections. Both chairmanship and councillorship hopefuls will be assessed on their qualifications, credibility, and eligibility to run. This process is expected to ensure the elections are free, fair, and transparent.
The Kaduna State local government election is therefore emerging as a new important event that can advance the fight for good governance and accountability. This progress is within the state’s local governmental structures. Thus, the following weeks will be very important for both candidates and voters as they wait for the new polls.
Source: Punch
