Nigeria’s Niger state will hold local government elections today(Thursday November 10, 2022) across the 25 local government areas, the state government has announced.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has said that it will not participate in the elections.
A statement by the Secretary to the state Government, Alhaji Ahmed Matane, declared today a public holiday to enable the people participate in the polls.
The SSG said markets and offices will be closed and the movement of persons and vehicles restricted, except for those on essential duties.
The statement also states that Governor Sani Bello has directed security agencies to ensure violence-free election.
Chairman of Niger State PDP Tanko Beji in a statement alleged that the State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) is not complying with extant laws and regulations for the conduct of election, PDP will not participate in the poll.
“That we are in Court and the matter is still pending where we are challenging NSIEC for non-compliance with Extent Laws and regulations for the conduct of elections. As of today, not all eligible voters in Niger State have been issued with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). INEC has stated that it will commence the issuance of the PVCs for new registrants as from November 12. What this means is that so many voters will be disenfranchised,” Beji said.