We Are Prepared For Re-Run Elections In Kano – Police, INEC

The Kano State Police Command has affirmed its preparedness to ensure security during the upcoming February 3 re-run elections in three state constituencies, covering six local government areas within the state.

The Police Commissioner, Mr Hussaini Gumel, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Kano while addressing newsmen ahead of the polls.

Gumel said that the police and other security agencies in the state were working to ensure a crisis-free election.

He said that an effective operational order on how to provide security at each of the polling units had already been worked out for implementation.

“We have mobilised sufficient armed personnel to provide security before, during and after the election.

”I am giving 100 per cent assurance to all law-abiding residents of the constituencies, that they can go about freely to exercise their franchise on Feb. 3 without threat to lives and property,” he said.

He said that the security measures put in place would enable eligible voters to participate in all the electoral processes.

“We have put in place various security measures to enable residents have the opportunity to participate in electing leaders of their choice without threat to lives and property,” he said.

The police commissioner advised leaders of political parties and candidates to impress it on their supporters to shun all forms of violence and thuggery before, during and after the election.

“We will not tolerate any act capable of bringing confusion before, during and after the by-election, any person or groups found disobeying orders will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

Earlier, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Amb. Abdu Zango, said arrangements had been concluded for the conduct of the re-run elections in the affected three state constituencies.

He listed the constituencies as: Kunchi/Tsanyawa, Kura/Garun Malam and Rimin Gado/Tofa.

“We are fully ready for the re-run elections, with our trained electoral personnel ready to conduct transparent and credible elections in the six local government areas.

“We are conducting elections in 66 polling units across the six local government areas. Any person without a permanent voter card will not participate in the re-run elections,” he said.

He said that BVAS machine would be used during the re-run elections to ensure free, fair and credible elections.

Zango expressed confidence that the re-run elections would be successful.

“We have prepared and equipped our personnel with basic electoral knowledge for the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections,” he said.