A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has disqualified the chairman and members of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) from conducting the scheduled local government elections.
The decision comes just four days before the polls, initially set for October 26, 2024.
Justice S.A. Amobede, presiding over the case, declared that the KANSIEC chairman and members are unqualified due to their affiliation with the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and failure to meet civil service grade requirements. The judge cited Sections 197(1)(b) and 200(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 4 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001.
“The defendants being card-carrying members of the New Nigeria People 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 of the Defendant, (KANSIEC).”
The judge further ruled that “Kabir Zakirai, the Secretary of the Commission, not being an officer in the Kano State Civil Service not below the rank of Director prior to his appointment as Secretary of the Commission, is not qualified to be appointed to the position pursuant to Section 14 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001”.
The judge added that “the 1st Defendant (KANSIEC) whose composition of members was made in contravention of constitutional provisions of 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, cannot validly and competently conduct Local Government Election 2024 in respect of 44 Local Governments in Kano State until and unless qualified persons are duly and legally appointed as chairman and members of the commission in line with relevant extent law.”
Justice Amobede further ruled that whatever the Commission “did or has done or is doing in preparation of 2024 Local Government Election in Kano State such as issuance of election guidelines, circulars, screening of candidates, sale of nomination and expression interest forms whichever and howsoever are null and void and of no effect whatsoever”.
“The defendants are forthwith disqualified and removed from their positions as chairman and members of the Commission.
“The 1st defendant (KANSIEC) is forthwith restrained from conducting 2024 Local Government Election in respect of 44 Local Governments in Kano State until and unless qualified persons are duly appointed.
“The defendants are mandated forthwith not to participate and monitor the conduct of Local Government Election 2024 in Kano State until and unless the provisions of sections 197 (1) (b), 199 (2) and 200 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and sections 4 (b) and 14 (1) of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001 are fully complied with in the appointment of qualified persons as Chairman and Members of the 1st Defendant,” the judge added.
Meanwhile, the Police and other security agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance with the ruling.
