The Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission (SEIC) has fixed 14th June 2025 for the local government council elections in the state.
This is coming as the tenure of the incumbent executive chairmen in the 27 local government councils of the state officially ends in July 2024.
SIEC has earlier scheduled the polls for June 2024 before the recent development.
The leading opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has earlier warned against amending electoral law to pave way for imposition of caretake committee chairmen.
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The party’s Chairman, Alh. Ali Idris, in a statement said appointing caretaker committee at the third tier is undemocratic and unconstitutional.
However, the new date for the polls, according to SIEC Chairman, Alh. Auwalu Muhammad Harbo, said the decision follows the recent amendment of the Jigawa State Electoral Law, 2012, aligning it with the 2022 Electoral Act. The law mandates a 360-day preparation period for political parties as opposed to the previous 90 days in the 2012 Act.
Alhaji Harbo told journalists in Dutse that the rescheduling was to ensure thorough preparation and address any issues that may hinder a smooth electoral process.
The current local government officials were elected on 27th June 2021 for a term of three years, as stipulated by the Local Government (Amendment Law No. 5), effective from 10th February 2021. Before the recent amendment to the Electoral Act by the Jigawa State House of Assembly, another election was due in July 2024.
The Commission, however, insisted despite the recent amendments that may lead to unelected officials at the local councils is committed to upholding democratic principles. It noted that it is determined to ensure that the electoral process is conducted fairly, credibly and efficiently.
by Salamatu Nuhu
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