From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The Chairman of Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Prof. Garba Ibrahim Sheka, has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to go ahead with its probe of alleged underage voting during the just concluded local government election.
Sheka said that KANSIEC is ready to cooperate with INEC on the proposed probing of alleged under-age voting, though the allegations were unfounded.
In a press statement he issued, which was made available to The AUTHORITY in Kano, KANSIEC stated that a�?the federal electoral umpirea��s move, which was announced by its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at the election preparation workshop underway at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, was hinged on video footages that went viral on the social media, allegedly showing some voters who were obviously children participating in the local council election, last weekend.
a�?While we hail the INECa��s decision to investigate the allegation, we want to restate our stand that the election, which was supervised by independent monitors (Civil Society Organisations), is adjudged most peaceful in the history of Kano State.
a�?As the only statutory body that registers voters and keeps the database of certified Nigerian electorate, we would like to express our willingness to accord full cooperation to the team of investigators to ascertain the veracity of the allegation made in respect of underage voting during the conduct of the election.
a�?We are also confident that the outcome of the investigation will vindicate us and strengthen the confidence of the public in KANSIEC to conduct free and fair local government election,a�? Sheka said.
The AUTHORITY reports that KANSIEC declared the All Progressive Congress (APC) winner of all the 44 chairmanship seats and 484 counsellorship positions in the 10th February, 2018 local government elections in the state.
Kano LG Polls: Wea��re ready for INEC probe – KANIEC
