Court Removes Kano Electoral Commission Chairman, Members, Puts On Hold LG Election

By Ayodele Oni

A major setback is imminent over the conduct of local government election in Kano state as the Federal High Court sacked the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission(KANSIEC), Sani Malumfashi.

The Cort ruled on Tuesday that Malumfashi is a card-carrying member of the Ruling New Nigeria People’s Party(NNPP).

The case was filed by Aminu Tiga and the All Progressive Congress (APC), with the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, and 14 others as defendants.

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.

The judge held that Zakirai was not qualified to be appointed to the position pursuant to section 14 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 first Defendant.

“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 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).