Tension in Kano as INEC Excludes Major Parties from Ballot

Tension has risen in Kano State following the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) exclusion of major opposition parties, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from the ballot for the upcoming municipal elections in Ungogo. The elections are set to fill two vacant seats in the Kano State House of Assembly, which arose due to the death of a lawmaker.

INEC's final list included only nine parties, sparking criticism and accusations of unfair treatment from the excluded parties. Abdul Zango, the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, assured that INEC is prepared to conduct a credible election, but the lack of public explanation for the exclusions has fueled anger among party leaders.

The NNPP, represented by Mushud El Jibril Doguwa, has threatened legal action against INEC, claiming the exclusion is an attack on democracy. PDP's Kano State chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Kibiya, also criticized INEC for breaching electoral laws and expressed readiness to participate in the elections despite the challenges.