Kano, Nigeria– On October 26, 2024, local vigilante groups stepped in to provide security at polling units in Kano State for the ongoing local government elections. With Nigerian police personnel absent at polling locations due to a court order, residents relied on local security groups to maintain peace and safety during the voting process.
Vigilante members were seen holding sticks and locally-made swords as they stood near voters, ensuring a secure environment at the polling stations. Officials of the Kano Road Transport Agency, Karota, also supported the vigilantes in securing the election areas.
This comes after a recent ruling by the Kano State High Court, which granted the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) permission to carry out the elections despite opposition from various political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 other parties. The court, presided over by Justice Sanusi Ma’aji, affirmed KANSIEC’s authority to supervise and conduct elections across Kano’s 44 local government areas, dismissing efforts to block the vote.
The Kano State Police Command stated it would follow the court’s instructions, which barred them from participating in the election. Superintendent of Police Abdullahi Haruna emphasized the police’s commitment to their constitutional duties, stating that while they are refraining from election involvement, they remain focused on overall security and preventing any public disorder.
The absence of the police at the polls has raised concerns among residents, but local vigilante groups have stepped up to reassure voters and maintain calm as the elections continue. The situation underscores the crucial role of alternative security arrangements in ensuring a peaceful electoral process amidst legal constraints on official security forces.
As of now, voting is underway across Kano, with local authorities and security teams working to keep the process orderly.
