Controversy As NDLEA Confirms 20 Election Aspirants As Drug Users

Ahead of the upcoming Kano State Local Government (LG) elections, the Nigerian Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that 20 aspirants have tested positive for drug use.

The shocking revelation was made known by the agency’s state commander, Abubakar Ahmad, who confirmed that the candidates were from the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

GWG.ng learnt that the aspirants were found to have used substances such as opioids, THC (the active compound in cannabis), benzodiazepines, and nicotine.

Ahmad stressed that the drug screening process is still ongoing and more results could follow.

“So far, 20 aspirants presented to us by the ruling party (NNPP) in the state have tested positive for multiple drugs,” he said, adding that the test forms part of the screening process before the final candidate list is submitted to the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).

“One notable aspect of the testing is that no female aspirants have tested positive for drugs so far,” he said.

Ahmad further noted that some of the substances detected are related to tobacco, sparking a debate about whether it should be classified as a drug.

“It is left for the electoral commission to decide if tobacco is a drug or not because it is something you find even in kola nut,” he said.

GWG.ng understands that this is not the first introduction of compulsory drug tests for political aspirants in Kano. Back in 2018, the state government implemented similar measures for political appointees, civil servants, and students seeking tertiary education admissions.

GWG.ng reports that the local government election is scheduled for October 26, 2024, and wouldl determine the occupants of 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship seats across Kano State.

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