Governor Dikko Radda has said the “sweeping victory” by the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Saturday’s council poll in Katsina State reflects public confidence in the party.
He made this known yesterday in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Mohammed.
The February 15 council poll had seen APC clinching all of the 34 elective chairmanship positions.
Outcomes from the 34 council areas were announced yesterday by the State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC).
The statement said Governor Radda, while extending congratulations to the 34 newly elected chairmen, commended the “peaceful and transparent electoral process that marked the undeniable milestone in the state’s democracy journey.”
He was quoted to have further said: “The peaceful conduct of yesterday’s (Saturday’s) elections is nothing, but a show of maturity of our democracy, and the commitment of our people to peaceful political participation.”
It said the governor added that the absence of electoral violence, and impressive voter turnout were a result of citizens’ dedication to democratic principles.
According to the governor, the “sweeping victory of the APC across the councils reflects public confidence in the party’s governance.”
Speaking to newsmen, state IPAC Chairman, Salima Lawal, submitted that while members of the group may have their differences and concerns, they “have recognised the defeat and acknowledged the significant strides made in promoting democracy in our dear state.”
“To our esteemed candidates, who contested in the elections and lost, I salute your courage, determination, and commitment towards serving our great state,” it added.
Chairman of Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission, Lawal Alhassan, while announcing the results yesterday, declared that the APC won all 34 chairmanship and 361 councillorship positions, having secured the majority of votes cast.
Explaining the delay in announcing the results, Alhassan said the compilation could not be completed on the day of the election, as some local governments failed to submit their results on time.
He said: “As of midnight yesterday (Saturday), only 24 local government areas out of the 34 had submitted their results to the commission.
“The 10 local government areas that submitted their results today (yesterday) include Batsari, Charanchi, Dandume, Daura, Funtua, Kankia, Katsina, Mani, Dutsinma, and Sabuwa.
“With their submission, the commission was able to complete the collation and make the final announcement of the total results of the local government elections, which were contested by five political parties.
“The five political parties that participated in the elections were Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Boot Party (BP).
Reacting to the result, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Katsina State chapter, Salima Boyi, at a press, conceded defeat in the interest of democracy and the state’s development.
“As we gather here, I would like to acknowledge the recently concluded elections for the 34 chairmanship and 361 councillorship positions in our state.
“First and foremost, I commend the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission for their efforts in ensuring a relatively peaceful and transparent electoral process. While we may have had our differences and concerns, we have conceded defeat and recognise the significant strides made in promoting democracy in our dear state,” he said.
