Elections Shouldn’t Be a Do-or-Die Affair, Says Kano Deputy Governor

By Mustapha Salisu

Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, emphasized on Friday that “elections shouldn’t be a do-or-die affair” anywhere in the world.

He made this statement during a “Pre & Post Local Government Election Workshop” held for relevant stakeholders at the Dawakin Kudu LGA Community Hall.

The workshop, which brought together party leaders, candidates, traditional rulers, KANSIEC officials, and others, aimed to promote peaceful and credible elections at the grassroots level.

The Deputy Governor, who also serves as the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, highlighted the importance of voting for the right candidates without fear or intimidation to ensure that elected officials fulfill their mandates effectively.

Comrade Abdussalam expressed concern over the persistent challenges facing grassroots elections, noting that they are often marred by violence, intimidation, and arrests, which undermine democracy and erode public trust in the government.

“During election periods, the atmosphere often feels as if a war has been declared, which should not be the case,” he remarked.

He warned that any group or individual found responsible for inciting tension before, during, or after the local government elections would face severe consequences.

The Deputy Governor also called on the State Chief Judge to expedite the resolution of any post-election disputes that may arise at the election tribunal.

He expressed optimism that the training would equip participants with new knowledge and strategies for addressing election-related security issues.

He urged attendees to fully engage with the discussions and tap into the experts’ wealth of experience to achieve the workshop’s objectives.