Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Local Government elections across the state, describing it as peaceful.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Yusuf spoke at the Kano Stste Independent Electoral Commission on Saturday shortly after casting his votes at Gwale Local Government Area (LGA).
He said that reports from 44 LGAs in the state indicated that the exercise was going on peacefully, citing smooth operations and no reported violence.
He promised further government support for the commission to ensure orderly elections and commended the commission and security agencies for their efforts in maintaining security in the state.
Yusuf called on opposition parties, especially the All Progressive Congress (APC) to joint hands with the administration to improve the state’s socio-economic fortunes.
“I commend eligible residents for coming out to elect chairmen and councillors across the 44 Local Government Areas in a peaceful atmosphere.
“Let us put political sentiment aside and work towards providing democracy dividends for our people irrespective of political party differences,’’ he said.
The governor appealed to the judiciary in the country to be neutral when it comes to election-related litigations.
“Though Kano State Government is the only government which came into office under the platform of NNPP (New Nigeria People’s Party), that does not mean we should be intimidated.
“We saw what happened in Rivers, so we took proactive measures in ensuring that similar scenario does not happen in Kano.
“I want to appeal to the opposition to always accept defeat as we have upper hand in terms of voter support,” he said.
Aliyu Suleiman, representing the Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission, also commended the peaceful conduct of the elections.
