NNPP Kano Purchases WAEC and NECO Scratch Cards for Candidate Screening in Local Government Elections

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano has announced the purchase of West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) scratch cards for its Screening Committee. This move is aimed at verifying the authenticity of secondary school certificates of candidates vying for positions in the upcoming local government council elections, scheduled for November 30, 2024.

Alhaji Hashim Dungurawa, the state chairman of the NNPP, revealed this development in an interview with the press on Tuesday in Kano. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that candidates possess not only valid academic qualifications but also a clean record in terms of character and integrity.

"We are purchasing WAEC and NECO scratch cards to double-check the academic reliability of any candidate, as well as their records regarding drugs and criminal history. We want to ensure that any candidate has a sound character as a leader for their people," Dungurawa stated.

In addition to the screening process, Dungurawa outlined the financial requirements for candidates. The party has set a nomination fee of N500,000 for chairmanship aspirants, along with a N100,000 fee for the Expression of Interest form. For those seeking to run as councillors, the nomination form costs N150,000, with an additional N50,000 for the Expression of Interest.

"This is to show that, as a people’s party, we are considerate of the economic downturn caused by Bola Tinubu’s government," Dungurawa said, highlighting the party's awareness of the current economic challenges facing the country.

Dungurawa also urged all interested candidates to resign from their civil service positions by the end of August 2024 to comply with the guidelines set by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).

"We don’t want to leave any loopholes in our party, which is why we have taken drastic measures against anyone contesting. We want to provide Kano’s citizens with leaders of sound background who can help them overcome their economic and social challenges," he added.

The NNPP chairman praised the fees established by KANSIEC, noting that the high financial requirement—N10 million for chairmanship candidates and N5 million for councillor candidates—would ensure that only serious and credible individuals contest for the positions.

“This fee will enhance effective management of local governments in the state and ensure that only credible individuals contest for the seats, unlike before when anyone could run,” Dungurawa explained.

He further reiterated the NNPP government's commitment to the development of Kano State, with a particular focus on education as a critical component of progress.