THE Federal High Court in Kano State has disqualified the Chairman and members of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) from overseeing the local government election scheduled for October 26, 2024.
Justice S.A. Amobede issued the ruling yesterday in response to a suit filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga, a member of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tiga challenged the eligibility of the KANSIEC officials, arguing that they were affiliated with the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and did not meet the required civil service grade for their positions.
In his decision, Justice Amobede found the chairman and other KANSIEC members unfit for office.
He stated that their membership in the NNPP and involvement in partisan politics violated Section 197 (1) (b) and Section 200 (1) (a) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and Section 4 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001.
Additionally, the court disqualified Kabir Zakirai, the Secretary of KANSIEC, for not holding a rank of Director or higher in the Kano State Civil Service, as required by Section 14 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001.
The ruling also nullified all previous actions taken by the Commission in preparation for the election, including issuing election guidelines, screening candidates, and selling nomination forms.
Furthermore, the court prohibited KANSIEC from conducting elections in Kano’s 44 local government areas until qualified officials are appointed to the Commission.
The ruling ordered law enforcement agencies to ensure the immediate removal of the disqualified officials from their positions.
