A Kano State High Court has given the green light for the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to proceed with local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 26, despite a conflicting earlier order from a Federal High Court. The decision came on Friday, as Justice Sanusi Ma’aji ruled in favor of KANSIEC in a case involving the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 others.
Justice Ma’aji’s ruling emphasized KANSIEC’s constitutional authority to organize, conduct, and oversee local government elections in the state’s 44 local government areas. He declared that any attempt to interfere with the electoral process would be invalid. “KANSIEC has the legal right to conduct and supervise local government elections in Kano State,” the judge stated, reinforcing the commission’s role in managing the elections.
In addition, Justice Ma’aji directed security agencies to ensure that voters, as well as lives and property, are protected during the elections. “The security agencies are instructed to maintain order and provide safety throughout the election process,” he added.
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This ruling contrasts with an earlier decision issued on Tuesday by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano, which had halted the elections. The Federal High Court had raised concerns over the impartiality of the KANSIEC chairman, who was alleged to be a card-carrying member of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State. Justice Amobeda’s ruling sparked debate among state officials and civil society groups, who viewed it as a potential threat to the democratic rights of the people of Kano.
In response to the Federal High Court’s ruling, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf rejected the decision, insisting that the local government elections would proceed as planned. He argued that the state’s democratic process should not be disrupted. “The elections will go ahead as scheduled,” Governor Yusuf affirmed, reflecting the state’s commitment to moving forward with the polls.
The conflicting court rulings have created a legal and political standoff in Kano, with KANSIEC now prepared to carry out its mandate following the latest directive from the state high court. As the date for the elections approaches, all eyes are on the process, with voters and political observers awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes local government poll.