Kano Local Government Elections:Situation Reports

Local vigilante groups provide security during Kano’s local government elections following police non-participation under court order

In the ongoing Kano local government elections, local vigilante groups have stepped up to ensure security after Nigerian police officers abstained from the process. This unusual measure came as police complied with a recent court ruling, which directed them to refrain from participating in the elections. Thus, “Kano Local Government Elections Security” has relied on these local forces to maintain order at polling units across the state.

With police absent, members of vigilante groups, alongside officials from the Kano Road Transport Agency (Karota), were stationed at polling sites, standing watch over residents as they prepared to cast their votes. Some vigilantes were even seen equipped with sticks and locally made swords as they stood guard, offering visible support amid a heightened atmosphere of civic duty.

The elections continued after the Kano State High Court authorized the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to proceed, dismissing legal challenges from political parties attempting to halt the process. Justice Sanusi Ma’aji, presiding over the case, upheld that KANSIEC has the constitutional mandate to supervise and manage elections within Kano’s 44 local government areas.

In response to the court ruling, Kano State Police Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed that the police would comply with the court order. “We respect the directive restraining us from involvement in the local government elections,” he stated, adding that police responsibilities for general safety and law enforcement remain unchanged. Although absent from polling stations, Haruna assured that the command remained vigilant to prevent disruptions.

As Kano’s polling stations opened, KANSIEC officials arrived, marking the official start of voting. The collaboration between vigilantes and Karota officials demonstrates an unconventional yet committed approach to “Kano Local Government Elections Security,” ensuring a safeguarded environment for the electoral process.