The Kano State High Court, presided over by Justice Sanusi Ma’aji, has given the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) the go-ahead to conduct the local government elections scheduled for Saturday.
This decision came swiftly after a separate order from the Federal High Court in Kano earlier this week had put a temporary halt to KANSIEC’s preparations for the election.
Just three days prior, the Federal High Court in Kano had issued a restraining order, calling for a delay until KANSIEC could appoint a qualified Chairman, Secretary, Commissioners, and other essential officials.
The Federal Court’s order suggested that KANSIEC’s leadership did not meet the necessary requirements set forth by both the Constitution and the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission laws of 2001.
However, in his judgment on Friday, Justice Ma’aji ruled in favor of KANSIEC’s authority, stating that the commission holds constitutional rights to organize, oversee, and carry out elections across Kano’s 44 local government areas.
He further explained that any attempt to halt the election would violate the responsibilities assigned to KANSIEC under the Constitution. Emphasizing the importance of security, Justice Ma’aji directed law enforcement to safeguard lives and properties during the election process on Saturday.
Rilwanu Umar, SAN, representing the plaintiffs, expressed satisfaction with Justice Ma’aji’s ruling, describing it as “sound.” On the other hand, Nura Adamu, a legal representative for the All Progressives Congress (APC), clarified that their legal challenge was not against KANSIEC’s ability to conduct elections, but rather focused on the current leadership’s qualification issues.
He emphasized that the APC questions the composition of KANSIEC’s leadership, citing concerns about adherence to legal requirements. Adamu further stated that the party would review the court’s decision to determine their next steps.
In response to the ruling, KANSIEC’s Commissioner for Legal and Voter Matters, Barrister Mukhtar Dandago, confirmed that the elections would proceed as planned. He urged Kano residents to come out and participate in the voting process on Saturday. Dandago also noted that KANSIEC had filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal to challenge the previous Federal High Court order.
The events of this case follow an earlier decision by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court, which had barred KANSIEC from conducting the elections and instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to provide the required voter registers.
Justice Amobeda’s order further restricted security agencies from offering support during the election, a decision that was later overruled by Justice Ma’aji’s ruling in favor of KANSIEC.
