Kano LG Poll: 20 NNPP Aspirants Fail Drug Tests – NDLEA

Ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Kano State, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that at least 20 aspirants have tested positive for multiple drugs. These revelations have sparked concerns about the integrity of the forthcoming elections, scheduled for October 26, 2024.

The NDLEA Commander in Kano, Abubakar Ahmad, confirmed the report during an interview, noting that the affected aspirants are all members of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). He stated that the candidates tested positive for substances such as codeine (an opioid), THC (the active ingredient in cannabis), benzodiazepines, and nicotine. He also noted that nicotine was found in several cases, leaving it up to the electoral commission to decide its significance.

“So far, 20 aspirants presented to us by the ruling party (NNPP) have tested positive for multiple drugs, and the exercise is ongoing,” Ahmad disclosed.

The drug tests are part of the screening process required before the NNPP submits its final candidate list to the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC). These tests are essential for verifying the candidates who will contest for 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship positions across Kano’s local governments.

NDLEA’s crackdown on drug use among political candidates follows earlier announcements by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), which stated that all candidates would undergo mandatory drug testing. This initiative echoes the state government’s 2018 mandate, which enforced compulsory drug tests for political appointees, civil servants, and students seeking admission to higher institutions.

As the screening continues, no female aspirants have tested positive so far.