The NDLEA has revealed that 20 aspirants for the Kano State local government elections have tested positive for various drugs, raising concerns about the integrity of the election.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that at least 20 aspirants for the upcoming Kano State local government elections have tested positive for multiple drugs.

This revelation is part of a broader crackdown on drug use among election candidates, raising significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

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Abubakar Ahmad, the NDLEA commander in Kano, confirmed to press that these aspirants, all from the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), tested positive for a range of substances including opioids (codeine), THC (the active ingredient in cannabis), benzodiazepines, and nicotine. Ahmad noted that the drug testing is still ongoing.

While nicotine was found in many of the tests, Ahmad pointed out that it is up to the electoral commission to decide whether tobacco qualifies as a drug, given its common presence in items like kola nut.

To date, no female aspirants have tested positive. The drug tests are part of the screening process as the NNPP prepares to submit its candidate list to the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).

KANSIEC is responsible for verifying all candidates ahead of the October 26 elections, which will determine 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship seats across Kano’s local governments.

The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission had previously pledged to conduct drug tests for all candidates.

This commitment follows the state government’s 2018 mandate for compulsory drug tests for political appointees, civil servants, and students seeking admission into higher education.