Court sacks Kano electoral commission chairman, members, stops LG polls

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Tuesday sacked the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Prof. Sani Malumfashi for allegedly being a card-carrying member of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

The decision comes just four days before the local government polls slated for October 26, 2024.

The case was lodged by Aminu Tiga and the All Progressive Congress (APC),

The defendants in the suit are the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, and 14 others.

While delivering judgment, Justice S.A Amobede, also held that Kabir Zakirai, the Secretary of the commission was not a civil servant and therefore not an officer in the Kano State Civil Service.

Justice S.A. Amobede declared that the KANSIEC chairman and members are unqualified due to their known 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.

“Whatever the eighth defendant is doing in preparation of the 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.

“That, the 8th to 14th defendants are forthwith disqualified and removed from their positions as chairman and members of the I Defendants.”

“That they are forthwith restrained from conducting the 2024 Local Government Election in respect of 44 Local Governments in Kano State until and unless qualified persons are dully appointed.”

He then directed the Police and other Security agencies to forthwith ensure full compliance with 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).

NAN

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