The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that 20 chairmanship candidates in Kano State have tested positive for drugs amid screenings for the upcoming local government elections.
This disclosure raises questions about the credibility of the electoral process.
Daily Trust reports that Abubakar Idris Ahmad, NDLEA’s Kano State Commander, confirmed that these candidates, affiliated with the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), tested positive for various substances, including opioids, cannabis, benzodiazepines, and nicotine.
While no female aspirants have tested positive so far, the screening process remains ongoing. More candidates are expected to undergo drug tests before the final candidate list is submitted to the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) for review.
“So far, 20 aspirants presented to us by the ruling party (NNPP) in the state have tested positive for multiple drugs, and the exercise is ongoing,” Ahmad stated.
The elections, scheduled for October 26, will determine 44 chairmen and 484 councillors across Kano State’s local government areas.
