Kano LG Elections: 20 Candidates Fail Drug Tests, Found Positive For Cannabis And Codeine – NDLEA

Kano LG Elections: 20 Candidates Fail Drug Tests, Found Positive For Cannabis And Codeine – NDLEA

At least 20 candidates vying for elective positions in the upcoming local government elections in Kano State have tested positive for various drugs.

Abubakar Idris Ahmad, the commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano, revealed this information to Daily Trust on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

Ahmad stated that some of the aspirants were found positive for opioids like codeine, THC (the active ingredient in cannabis), benzodiazepines, and nicotine.

“To date, 20 candidates presented by the ruling party (NNPP) in the state have tested positive for multiple drugs. The testing process is still ongoing,” Ahmad said.

He noted that many of the candidates tested positive for nicotine. However, it will be up to the electoral commission to determine whether nicotine should be classified as a drug, given its presence in everyday items like kola nuts.

No female candidates have tested positive so far.

Ahmad explained that only the NNPP has submitted its candidates for drug screening ahead of the final submission of their list to the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), which will conduct a thorough verification of all candidates.

The KANSIEC has scheduled the local government elections for October 26, 2024, during which 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship positions will be contested by 18 registered political parties.