INEC Reacts To Recognition Claims Of Two PDP Governorship Candidates In Kano

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, has stated that the commission is yet to recognize any governorship candidate in Kano.

However, it will be recalled that this is in reaction to the story over the weekend in Kano with the emergence of two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mohammed Abacha and Sadiq Wali allegedly claiming INEC recognition.

It will also be recalled that the PDP in Kano is factionalized with Wada Sagagi led executives recognized by the party headquarters and the court while the other group is led by Aminu Wali

Prof. Riskuwa Arabu Shehu while stating the INEC position on Monday said the commission is yet to be informed by the political parties of their flagbearers.

He said that, “the recognition of a candidate for any election is the responsibility of the party and after the conduct of primaries, the party is then expected to forward to the commission the party’s candidates and their running mates.”

Prof. Shehu, further disclosed that the only responsibility of INEC in party primaries is to serve as an observer during the exercise which the commission did in the case of the Kano PDP governorship race.

According to him “The commission was at the governorship primary of Muhammad Abacha as observer but was not present at the Sadiq Wali primary.’’

Prof. Shehu, therefore, stated that the political parties have a window of submitting their presidential and governorship candidates as well as running mates on or before June 17th 2022.

He also disclosed that the “INEC does not accept candidates nomination without running mates.’’