Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal High Court in Kano has disqualified the Chairman and members of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) from overseeing the October 26, 2024 local government election.
Justice S.A. Amobede delivered the ruling on Monday following a lawsuit filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tiga challenged the eligibility of KANSIEC’s leadership, citing their affiliation with the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and failure to meet the required civil service grades.
Justice Amobede ruled that the chairman and other members of the commission were unfit for their roles, stating, “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… are not qualified to be the Chairman and Members of the Defendant, (KANSIEC).”
Additionally, Kabir Zakirai, Secretary of KANSIEC, was disqualified for failing to meet civil service rank requirements.
“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,” the court ruled.
The judgment also declared that all preparatory actions by KANSIEC for the upcoming election—including issuing guidelines, screening candidates, and selling nomination forms—were invalid.
“Whatever the Commission did… are null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” the judge stated.
The ruling prevents KANSIEC from conducting the local government elections in Kano’s 44 local government areas until qualified individuals are appointed.
“The 1st Defendant (KANSIEC) cannot validly and competently conduct Local Government Election 2024… until and unless qualified persons are duly and legally appointed,” Justice Amobede ruled.
Law enforcement agencies were directed to enforce the disqualification and removal of the defendants from their positions immediately.