The League of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kano State has rejected and dissociated itself from the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Non-State Actors’ election scheduled for August 6, alleging widespread violations of OGP governance principles and national operational guidelines.
In a statement signed by representatives of 22 civil society organizations, the League described the electoral process as “fundamentally flawed” and called on the National OGP Secretariat, development partners and other stakeholders to withhold recognition of any outcome until an independent review is conducted.
The coalition alleged that the process was marred by conflicts of interest, lack of transparency in candidate screening, violations of term limits, and the participation of organizations whose legal status and regulatory compliance were questioned.
Among its concerns, the League argued that permitting an organization linked to a serving government appointee to contest a leadership position reserved for non-state actors could undermine the independence of civil society within the OGP framework. It also faulted the appointment of the outgoing CSO Co-Chair as chairman of the electoral committee, describing it as inconsistent with principles of electoral neutrality.
The group further alleged that some organizations cleared for the election were either not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or had inactive registration status, while questioning whether candidates had been screened for statutory requirements, including Tax Clearance Certificates and compliance with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML).
According to the League, proceeding with the election despite these concerns could damage Kano State’s transparency and reform credentials, weaken confidence in the National OGP Secretariat, and affect Nigeria’s reputation within the global Open Government Partnership.
The coalition called for the immediate suspension of the election, the constitution of an independent electoral committee, and a transparent re-screening of all candidates based on clearly published eligibility criteria.
It maintained that until the concerns are independently investigated and addressed, it would not recognise or participate in the election or accept any leadership emerging from the process.
The statement was endorsed by 22 civil society organisations operating across Kano State.
*Endorsed By:*
1. Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama – Wuro Development Concerns (WDCN)
2. Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq. – Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN)
3. Mohammed Bello – African Centre for Innovative Research and Development (AFRI-CIRD)
4. Abba Bello Ahmed – Campaign for Democracy (CD), Kano State
5. Abdulkadir Musa Hausawa – Youth Enlightenment Forum
6. Abbas Adamu – Voice of Concerned Teachers’ Forum, Kano State
7. Sani Ilyas Abdullahi, Esq. – Joint Action Front (JAF), Kano State
8. Comrade Fatima A. Ibrahim – United Action for Democracy (UAD), Kano State
9. Comrade Khadija Hudu A. – Justice, Accountability and Rights Advocacy Centre
10. Comrade Moh’d Sani Garba – Pay it Forward Initiative
11. Fatima Muhammad – Gender Inclusive and Development Support Initiative, Kano
12. Aminu Sani Muhammad, Esq. – Rule of Law and Justice Advancement Network (ROLJAN)
13. Comrade M. K. Adam – Societal-Based Initiative for Rights, Peace and Development (SOBIRPED)
14. Fatima Ibrahim Badamasi – Gender Support and Youth Empowerment Initiative (GENSAYE)
15. Buhari Abubakar Usman – Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid (CELOHA)
16. Abdullahi Yahaya, Esq. – Public Interest Litigation Group (PILG)
17. Comrade Auwal Salisu – Centre for Awareness Reorientation and Empowerment (CARE-Africa)
18. Umar Isa Sulaiman, Esq. – Frontier for Gender Advocacy, Accountability & Empowerment Initiative.
19. Maryam Garba Usman – Centre for Gender and Social Inclusion (CAGSI)
20. Fatima Chabir Aliyu, Esq. – Community-Based Equal Justice Initiative
21. Comrade Salisu Ibrahim Sa’eed – Kano Youth Integrity Forum
22. Comrade Baraya Garba Hassan – Centre for Educationv, Health and Entrepreneurship Development (CEHED), Nigeria.