By Shafi’u Yahaya
The Voice of Concern Teachers Forum in Kano State has appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to intervene in the leadership and electoral processes of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kano State Wing, over alleged irregularities in elections conducted at the local government level.
The forum’s chairman, Comrade Dauda Abbas Diso, made the appeal, alleging that the electoral processes in several local government areas were not sufficiently transparent and democratic.
Diso said that although NUT branch elections were reportedly conducted in local government areas about three months ago, the forum recognised only the elections in Nassarawa and Ungogo Local Government Areas as having met the required standards of legitimacy.
He alleged that nomination forms were not freely accessible to all interested contestants in several local government areas, raising concerns about fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for union members.
According to him, the situation has raised fears that primary school teachers may not be adequately represented in the union’s leadership structure.
The forum chairman also expressed concern over reports that the NUT State Wing election was being conducted at Wudil Local Government Area.
He urged Governor Yusuf to investigate the concerns raised by the forum and ensure that the electoral processes at both local government and state levels comply with the union’s rules and democratic principles.
Diso said the intervention was necessary to protect the interests of teachers, promote accountability and prevent further disputes within the union.
He added that the forum was not seeking to undermine the NUT but wanted to ensure that its leadership emerged through a credible process that reflected the wishes of members, particularly primary school teachers.
The chairman expressed confidence in the state government’s ability to address the concerns and appealed to the governor to take appropriate steps to promote fairness, transparency and unity within the union.
The allegations have yet to be independently verified.
The NUT Kano State Wing’s response was not included in the information provided for this report.
