The Federal High Court in Kano has disqualified the Chairman and members of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) from overseeing the upcoming local government election, scheduled for October 26, 2024.
The ruling, delivered by Justice S.A. Amobede on Monday, came in response to a lawsuit filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga, a member of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Tiga challenged the KANSIEC officials’ eligibility, citing their affiliation with the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and their failure to meet civil service grade requirements.
Justice Amobede ruled that the chairman and members of the commission were unfit for their roles due to their involvement in partisan politics, in violation of constitutional and state electoral commission laws. The court also disqualified KANSIEC Secretary Kabir Zakirai, stating that he lacked the required 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 directed to ensure the immediate removal of the disqualified officials.