Mr. Edward Percy Masha, a key member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State and a candidate for the position of state chair, has voiced significant concerns about the preparations for the upcoming local council elections scheduled for October 19, 2024. Masha has expressed doubts about Governor Uba Sani’s ability to ensure the elections are conducted fairly and transparently.
Masha’s primary criticism centers around the current state of local government autonomy. Despite the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in favor of local government autonomy, Masha believes that the implementation of this autonomy is lacking. He argues that the ruling has yet to be effectively put into practice, which he feels undermines the spirit of the Supreme Court’s decision.
In his comments to reporters in Kaduna on Tuesday, Masha stated, “I am not satisfied with how local government autonomy is being handled in Kaduna State. The Supreme Court’s ruling was a significant step, but there is currently no substantial action or evidence to show that the ruling is being properly implemented.”
He went on to criticize the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) for its role in organizing the elections. Masha contends that SIECOM is not adequately equipped to ensure a credible electoral process. He believes that if local government autonomy were genuinely in place, a national body should oversee the elections to ensure they are fair and transparent.
Masha further pointed out that the necessary guidelines for the elections have not yet been distributed to political parties. This delay is causing frustration among party members, as it hinders their ability to campaign effectively and prepare their candidates for the elections. Without these guidelines, it is challenging for parties to engage in meaningful outreach and voter mobilization.
Adding to his concerns, Masha highlighted that the new law governing council elections, recently passed by the State House of Assembly, remains unsigned by the governor. He emphasized that for the elections to be conducted in a credible, free, and fair manner, it is crucial for the governor to sign the law promptly and ensure all preparatory measures are in place.
Despite these challenges, Masha remains optimistic about the PDP’s prospects in the upcoming elections. He believes that with a fair electoral process, the PDP has a strong chance of winning a significant number of local government areas.
He pointed to the party’s success in the 2023 general elections, where PDP won all three Senatorial seats and ten out of sixteen House of Representatives seats in the state. Masha is confident that PDP’s strong foundation and his leadership can lead the party to further victories and restore confidence among its members and supporters.
Masha’s concerns highlight the need for a well-organized and transparent election process in Kaduna State to ensure that local government autonomy is effectively realized and that the electoral system operates fairly.
