At least 20 chairmanship aspirants for the Local Government elections in Kano State have tested positive for drugs including Cannabis.

This was disclosed by the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday, September 10.

According to the agency’s Kano State commander, Abubakar Ahmed, the candidates tested positive for multiple drugs during the screening for the LG elections in the state.

Ahmed the aspirants, mostly those presented. H the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) tested positive for prohibited substances including nicotine, hemp benzodiazepines and opioids.

While none of the female aspirants tested positive for any of the drugs, the NDLEA assured that the screening process would continue.

He also said that during this process more aspirants would be tested by the agency to ensure that those vying for positions are clean from any form of substance use and abuse.

Ahmed added that once the process is completed, the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) will go ahead with its final verification exercise for aspirants.

KANSIEC had earlier said that the LG elections in the state will be held on October 26, 2024.

According to the commission, a total of 44 chairmanships and 484 councillor positions will be contested by different parties across the state.