By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC) has commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for providing the commission with both moral and financial support while allowing it to operate independently without political interference.
A Permanent Commissioner of the commission, Lawal Badamasi, made the commendation in an interview with Triumph on the sidelines of the 14th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECON) in Katsina.
Badamasi said Governor Yusuf had never interfered in the activities of the commission before, during, or after the last local government elections, describing the governor’s approach as a demonstration of respect for the independence of the electoral body.
According to him, the governor’s non-interference gave the commission the confidence and courage to conduct what he described as one of the best local government elections in the state’s history.
He disclosed that the commission is currently strengthening the capacity of its electoral officers to address the challenges identified during the last local government elections.
“As a commission charged with conducting transparent elections, we are working to build the capacity of our electoral officers to enable them discharge their responsibilities effectively,” Badamasi said.
The commissioner also revealed that KSIEC is closely monitoring the performance of elected local government officials and commended them for making efforts to fulfil the campaign promises they made to the people.
Badamasi, who represented the Chairman of KSIEC, Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi, at the conference, described the gathering as timely and significant, especially as stakeholders seek to strengthen the operations of State Independent Electoral Commissions across Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that the conference would produce practical recommendations to address post-election litigation and other challenges associated with elections conducted by State Independent Electoral Commissions.
According to him, KSIEC will actively contribute to discussions aimed at improving the credibility, transparency, and effectiveness of local government elections across the country.