The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the recently concluded chairmanship and councillorship elections in Katsina State.
Chairman of the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission, Lawal Alhassan, while announcing the results at the commission’s headquarters on Sunday, declared that the APC won all 34 chairmanship and 361 councillorship positions, having secured the majority of votes cast.
Explaining the delay in announcing the results, Alhassan said the compilation could not be completed on the day of the election, February 15, 2025, as some local governments failed to submit their results on time.
He said, “As of midnight yesterday, only 24 local government areas out of the 34 had submitted their results to the commission.
“The ten local government areas that submitted their results today include Batsari, Charanchi, Dandume, Daura, Funtua, Kankia, Katsina, Mani, Dutsinma, and Sabuwa.
“With their submission, the commission was able to complete the collation and make the final announcement of the total results of the local government elections, which were contested by five political parties.
“The five political parties that participated in the elections were Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Boot Party (BP).
“In all 34 local government areas, the APC won the chairmanship and councillorship elections with wide margins.
“With the final announcement of the local government elections, the commission wishes to extend its appreciation to the people of Katsina State, especially the election stakeholders who provided the necessary support and cooperation that enabled the successful conduct of the polls.
“Once again, on behalf of the members and management of the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission, I express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this election.”
Reacting to the results, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Katsina State Chapter, Salima Boyi, said in a press briefing on Sunday that the group had conceded defeat in the interest of democracy and the state’s development.
“As we gather here, I would like to acknowledge the recently concluded elections for the 34 chairmanship and 361 councillorship positions in our state.
“First and foremost, I commend the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission for their efforts in ensuring a relatively peaceful and transparent electoral process. While we may have had our differences and concerns, we have conceded defeat and recognise the significant strides made in promoting democracy in our dear state.
“To our esteemed candidates who contested and lost, I salute your courage, determination, and commitment to serving our great state. I also commend your faith in the system and your desire to contribute to the development of Katsina State. Your efforts have been duly noted.
“As we move forward, let us not forget the values that unite us as a people — coexistence, respect for one another, and the pursuit of the common good,” the IPAC chairman stated.
Similarly, Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, has congratulated the winners of the just-concluded council elections.
The PUNCH
