The Chairman of the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission (GOSIEC), Abdullahi Garba, has described the just-concluded local government elections in the state as a significant achievement, following the expansion of the electoral process from 11 local government areas to 24 administrative councils.
Garba made the remarks on Saturday while announcing the election results, declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of all 24 chairmanship seats and the 240 councillorship positions contested across the state.
He explained that the expansion of the councils became possible after Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya approved the establishment of 13 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to bring governance and development closer to the people.
"The last local government election held in 2023 was conducted in 11 local government areas. However, His Excellency approved the creation of 13 additional Local Council Development Areas to enhance grassroots development," Garba said.
He noted that the commission made recommendations to the governor, studied similar structures in states such as Lagos where elections had already been conducted using LCDAs, and later secured the necessary legal backing through the State House of Assembly.
According to him, the development increased the number of chairmanship positions from 11 to 24, while councillorship seats rose from 114 to 240.
"We previously had 11 local governments, but we now have 24 administrative councils. The number of ward councillors has also increased from 114 to 240. This is a remarkable achievement, and we appreciate His Excellency for making it possible," he stated.
Garba disclosed that although several political parties participated in the election, only a few presented candidates across all the newly established councils.
He said the APC contested in all 24 local government areas, while the African Action Congress (AAC) fielded candidates in three councils. The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) contested in six councils, the Youth Party participated in three, while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) each fielded candidates in three local governments.
Announcing the final results, Garba declared that the APC emerged victorious in all the chairmanship and councillorship contests.
"Based on the results received from across the state, the All Progressives Congress has won all 24 chairmanship seats and all 240 councillorship positions," he announced.
The GOSIEC chairman expressed appreciation to political parties, election observers, civil society organisations, security agencies, media organisations, and other stakeholders for their contributions toward ensuring a peaceful and successful electoral process.
He also thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for providing an enabling environment for the conduct of the elections.
"In conclusion, I sincerely appreciate His Excellency for creating the enabling environment for this exercise. I also thank all political parties, election observers, non-governmental organisations, members of the media, and everyone who contributed to the success of the elections. May God bless you all and grant everyone a safe journey home," Garba said.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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