Free, Fair Election Critical to Effective Democracy – Kano CP

By Khadijah Aliyu (Kano)

Ensuring free fair and transparent elections has been described as a major catalyst to the development of democracy and ensuring good governance in Nigeria.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammad Usaini Gumel made the assertion during a one-day citizens’ town hall meeting on electoral reform, held in Kano. 

According to him, all Nigerians must uphold the rule of law by adhering to the electoral act and desisting from election malpractice to move the nation forward. 

He pointed out that, civil societies are critical stakeholders in the election process that play a vital role in advocacy, sensitization, fact-checking, observation and all other important elements to achieve the desired objectives.

The Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, explained that the core objective of the town hall meeting was to foster inclusive dialogue among citizens from varied backgrounds concerning electoral reform and constitutional amendment.

Mr Nwagwu noted that other objectives were enhancing public understanding and awareness regarding electoral reform as well as compiling and presenting citizen-derived recommendations to the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for consideration.

Others who spoke include the Deputy Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC in Kano State, Mr John and the Assistant Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Kano State Office, Maijidda Dalha Inuwa. 

The event was marked by panel sessions and breakout sessions where participants were divided into four groups on electoral integrity and transparency, voter education and participation, electoral system reform as well as electoral legal framework and institutional reform.

The event witnessed a large turnout of civil society organizations CSOs, traditional institutions, media and all relevant stakeholders in the electoral process.

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