Jigawa Assembly aspirant petitions speaker over alleged imposition

Jamilu Muhammadu Danmalaman, an All Progressives Congress aspirant has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the Jigawa State Assembly appeal committee over the alleged misconduct and imposition of candidates during the primary election.

A statement by the aspirants said, obtained by Newsmen has been sent to the state’s assembly primary election appeals committee.

The petition sighted, accused the serving member who is also a speaker of the state House of Assembly and also one of the aspirants of using his position to manipulate the conduct of the primary election.

It read, “It is with esteemed regards and humility that I write to your distinguished office to petition Idris Garba Kareka, the current Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly and aspirant for the position of Member Jigawa state House of Assembly, Jahun constituency, over his outright use of influence and power to manipulate the conduct of the primary election held on Thursday, May 26, 2022, in Jahun local government area of Jigawa state”

“A list of 55 delegates was compiled, 5 from each of the 11 political wards of the local government following their election, and was submitted to the state Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its perusal under the electoral law.

“However, on Thursday, May 26, 2022, the scheduled date for the APC state House of Assembly primary elections, the names of the delegates were completely changed”

“The delegates and other observers, however, raised concerns which lead to raising of tension, the Speaker, sauntered into the election venue (the Duplex House of Jahun Local Government Chairman) at around 4:34pm along with security operatives and political thugs”

“They fired tear gas and scared off the delegates, officials and other people gathered at the election venue, tearing some of the election materials, particularly the ballot papers”.

The aspirant urged the committee to look at the complaint and allow people to express their constitutional rights.