The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported that 20 chairmanship aspirants in Kano State tested positive for various drugs during screening for the upcoming local government elections.
Abubakar Idris Ahmad, the NDLEA Commander in the state, stated that the aspirants presented by the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) tested positive for substances including opioids, hemp, benzodiazepines, and nicotine.
Mr. Ahmad noted that while no female aspirants have tested positive so far, the screening process is ongoing, and more candidates are expected to be tested before the final verification by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).
KANSIEC has scheduled the elections for October 26, 2024, during which 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship positions will be contested.