The Independent National Electoral Commission in Zamfara has displayed lists of Governorship and State Assembly candidates in the state for the upcoming 2019 general elections without the APC candidates.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that names of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates were missing in the list displayed at the INEC Secretariat in Gusau on Friday.
The political parties whose candidates were on the list were APGA, PDP, NRM, SDP, PRP, GPN and NCP among others.
Speaking to newsmen in Gusau, the National Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, Hajiya Amina Zakari who was in the state for official visit, said the commission had not received a list of APC candidates.
“I think, it has been said several times that the APC didn’t have candidates in the state, so we have not received their candidates.
“This issue is in court and if the court asks us to go ahead and receive their list, we will certainly receive their names.
“Therefore, since date for the submission of candidates has been passed, we shouldn’t go on that now; we should concentrate on what will be beneficial to the communities which is voter register, claims, objections and verification,” she said.
Zakari said she was in Zamfara to see how the state INEC office was doing and to observe and monitor the ongoing display of voters’ register, claims and objection.
“The reason for the exercise is for eligible persons to check their names and confirm if they are on the list or if there is any mistake in the names or misspelt.
“It is important for the politicians to look at the register critically and confirm to have credible list for the election.”
She decried low turnout for collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards at the centres across the three states, urging stakeholders to assist in enlightening the public on the importance of PVC collection.
(NAN)
