The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission has announced a new requirement for candidates contesting the upcoming local government election in Kano State. According to KANSIEC Chairman, Professor Sani Malumfashi, all candidates must undergo a psychiatric test before participating in the October 26 polls.
This new requirement comes after the commission had already conducted drug tests for aspirants contesting for chairmanship and councilorship positions. Professor Malumfashi explained that psychiatric doctors will be invited to conduct the tests on all candidates.
In response to a recent court order, KANSIEC has reduced the nomination fees for chairmanship and councilorship candidates. The fees have been lowered from ₦10 million and ₦5 million to ₦9 million and ₦4 million, respectively. This decision follows a court order obtained by three political parties, restraining the commission from charging the initial fees.
Candidates are expected to purchase nomination forms from banks starting from the next day, as the primary election is scheduled to end on Saturday. Political parties are required to submit the names of their candidates to the commission after the primary election.
Professor Malumfashi commended the All Progressives Congress and other political parties for their decision to participate in the election, stating that their participation demonstrates trust in the commission’s integrity.
