From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission says it has adopted measures to ensure the speedy screening of chairmen, vice chairman and councillorship candidates from across the 23 Local government areas of Sokoto within seven days.
Executive Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Aliyu Sulaiman said the screening exercise was aimed at identifying genuine candidates before the election.
To this end, the commission has so far screened 13 out of 23 chairmanship candidates who are qualified to contest during the forthcoming elections billed on 21st September.
The State electoral umpire noted that it has set up two committees to conduct the exercise, which has only one week within which to complete the exercise to promptly face the electioneering process.
15 registered political parties would participate in the election slated for September 21, 2024.
The commission has assured all stakeholders that it will conduct a transparent election acceptable to all.
The 13 candidates screened so far by the commission include that of
Kware, Gada Illela, Gwadabawa, Tambuwal, Tureta, Dange-Shuni, Gudu, Tangaza, Binji, Silame, Kebbe, Tambuwal, Shagari and Yabo respectively.
Our correspondent in the state gathered that the main opposition party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the state have withdrawn from the contest.
However, some opposition candidates from Labthe our and Good parties had been sighted at the SIEC headquarters, the venue of the screening exercise was waiting for their turn to be scrscreenedMeanwhile, those screened have assured to work tirelessly toward the rapid development of their areas.
Both the candidates pledged to address issues of security challenges, healthcare delivery, boosting education and farming activities among others.