The Federal High Court in Kano has ruled that the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) cannot proceed with the upcoming local government election scheduled for October 26, 2024.
The decision follows a legal challenge raised by Aminu Aliyu Tiga, a member of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the lawsuit, Tiga questioned the eligibility of KANSIEC’s chairman and members, accusing them of being affiliated with the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and failing to meet the required civil service criteria for their appointments.
Presiding over the case, Justice S.A. Amobede declared the officials unqualified for their roles.
“The defendants being card-carrying members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and in partisan politics contrary to Section 197 (1) (b) and Section 200 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 4 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001, are not qualified to be the Chairman and Members of the Defendant, (KANSIEC),” he ruled.
The court also disqualified Kabir Zakirai, the Secretary of KANSIEC, for failing to meet the civil service rank required for the role.
Justice Amobede stated, “Kabir Zakirai, not being an officer in the Kano State Civil Service not below the rank of Director before he was appointed Secretary of the Commission, is not qualified to be appointed to the position under Section 14 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001.”
In addition to disqualifying the officials, the court nullified all preparatory activities for the election, including the screening of candidates, sale of nomination forms, and issuance of guidelines.