Rita Odafe
A recent ruling by the Kano State High Court has authorized the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to go ahead with local government elections on October 26.
This decision reverses an earlier injunction from the Federal High Court in Kano, which had raised questions regarding the electoral panel’s composition.
On October 25, Justice Sanusi Ma’aji addressed concerns presented in a lawsuit from KANSIEC against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and numerous other parties. The ruling confirmed KANSIEC’s legal right to oversee and conduct elections across the state’s 44 local government areas.
Justice Ma’aji emphasized that any interference with the electoral process would be invalid.
Additionally, the judge called on security forces to ensure the safety of voters and to protect individuals and property during the upcoming election.
Earlier, on Tuesday, Justice Simon Amobeda from the Federal High Court in Kano had postponed the elections, citing concerns over KANSIEC’s chairman being affiliated with the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
This earlier ruling raised concerns among state officials and civil rights groups, who believed it threatened the electoral rights of Kano citizens.
In contrast, Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf dismissed the federal court’s decision and confirmed that the election will take place as scheduled.
