By Joy Yesufu
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged irregularities in the substitution of candidates in Kano State and the omission of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, from the commission’s list.
The movement submitted the petition on Friday during a protest by hundreds of its supporters at INEC’s Kano State office, demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged substitutions.
Speaking during the protest, the movement’s spokesperson, Dr Habib Mohammed, alleged that some letters submitted to INEC headquarters contained suspected forged signatures and might have been used to facilitate changes to the list of candidates.
Mohammed called on the commission to investigate how the letters were received and processed, insisting that only duly authorised party officials should communicate with INEC on matters relating to candidate nominations.
“We believe an INEC staff member colluded with some unauthorised people to conceal a decision that led to the substitution of some of our candidates,” he said.
He said the movement had identified multiple letters it suspected contained forged signatures and wanted INEC to investigate the matter before deciding on further action.
Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the reception given to the delegation by the Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abdu Zango, who reportedly assured them that the petition would be forwarded to the commission’s national headquarters.
Earlier, the deputy governorship candidate, Mustapha Kwankwaso, who led the protest on behalf of Gwarzo, said the party had complied with INEC’s rules and regulations governing candidate nominations.
He described the omission of Gwarzo’s name from the list as unjust and urged the commission to address the matter.
Responding, Zango said INEC had received the protesters’ complaints and would give the petition the necessary attention.
He said the commission had explained the reasons for the omission and provided an opportunity for affected parties to appeal by October 24.
“What they came to do is to present a complaint about the omission of their candidates. INEC has made the reasons for the omission clear and provided a window for appeal up to October 24,” Zango said.
The REC added that the petition would be forwarded to INEC’s national headquarters for consideration, stressing that the state office would remain neutral in the matter.
He also commended the protesters for presenting their grievances peacefully and in an orderly manner.
The allegations of collusion and suspected forgery have yet to be independently established.
