At least 20 individuals seeking elective offices in the upcoming local government elections in Kano State have tested positive for multiple drugs, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The agency’s state commander, Abubakar Idris Ahmad, confirmed this information to newe on Tuesday.
The aspirants, presented by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), tested positive for various substances, including opioid (codeine),
THC (Tetrahydro cannabis), benzodiazenpines, and nicotine. Ahmad noted that many of the aspirants tested positive for nicotine, which is also found in kola nuts, leaving it to the electoral commission to decide whether tobacco is considered a drug.
Notably, no female aspirants have tested positive so far. The NNPP is the only party to have presented its aspirants for drug screening ahead of the submission of its candidates’ list to the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).
KANSIEC has scheduled the local government elections for October 26, with 18 registered political parties competing for 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship positions.
The commission’s chairman, Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi, and his commissioners visited the NDLEA office on Monday, indicating the agency’s involvement in the electoral process.”
