SDP sues Katsina electoral commission over LG poll charges

The State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) was sued by the Katsina State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the State High Court for imposing a non-refundable fee of N3 million on candidates seeking the chairmanship and N1 million on candidates seeking councillorships in the state’s local government election scheduled for February 15, 2025.

The party said that the KTSIEC’s strict election conditions, including financial restrictions, were the reason behind its decision to file a lawsuit.

At a news conference in Katsina on Friday, Bello Adamu Safana, the chairman of the Katsina SDP, revealed this.

The action asks the Katsina State High Court to explain whether KTSIEC’s rules comply with election laws and constitutional standards. The hearing is set for Monday, June 24, 2024.

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The Social Democratic Party (SDP), which stands for social justice, fairness, and accountability, views these conditions as not only unlawful and backward but also as a calculated attempt to weaken democracy and prevent highly qualified, eligible candidates from serving the good people of Katsina State, Mr. Safana noted.

He claims that the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as modified) protects citizens’ rights to vote without facing unfair financial hardships.

He added that, in contrast to the current situation, in which the ruling party has monopolised the whole field, the suit seeks to guarantee that other political parties in the state have an equal opportunity to engage in and field candidates for the various positions in the Local Councils.