The Federal High Court in Kano has upheld a disqualification for the Chairman and members of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), effective immediately, from overseeing the forthcoming local government election scheduled for October 26, 2024.
The decision, made by Justice S.A. Amobede on Monday, was precipitated by a lawsuit filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga, an opposition party member from the All Progressives Congress (APC), who challenged the eligibility of the KANSIEC officials. Tiga argued that their affiliation with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and their failure to meet civil service grade requirements rendered them unfit for their roles.
In response, Justice Amobede concluded that the chairman and members of the commission were ineligible to serve due to their political affiliations, which contravened both constitutional and state electoral commission laws. Additionally, Justice Amobede ruled against KANSIEC Secretary Kabir Zakirai, citing his insufficient civil service rank for the position.
The court further invalidated all actions taken by KANSIEC in preparation for the election, including the issuance of election guidelines and the sale of nomination forms. The commission is now barred from conducting the election in Kano’s 44 local government areas until qualified officials are appointed.
Law enforcement agencies have been tasked with ensuring the prompt removal of the disqualified officials.
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