A recent ruling from the Kano State High Court has permitted the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to conduct local government elections as scheduled for Saturday, October 26. Justice Sanusi Ma’aji, who presided over the case brought by KANSIEC against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 others, confirmed that KANSIEC is constitutionally authorized to organize and oversee local government elections across Kano’s 44 local government areas. Justice Ma’aji further affirmed that any attempts to obstruct the election would be invalid, instructing security agencies to safeguard voters and ensure the protection of lives and property on election day.

This ruling contrasts with a prior order from Justice S.A. Amobede of the Federal High Court in Kano, which had prohibited KANSIEC’s chairman and commission members from maintaining their roles. In a lawsuit filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga, a member of the APC, Justice Amobede’s ruling argued that KANSIEC officials were ineligible to serve, citing their affiliations with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and their positions as partisan political members rather than civil servants above grade level 14, which contravenes sections of the Nigerian Constitution and Kano State Electoral Law. Consequently, Justice Amobede declared KANSIEC’s preparations for the elections “null and void,” disqualifying the officials from office and instructing law enforcement to enforce the ruling by halting the elections until qualified leaders are appointed.

Despite the legal complexities, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has insisted that the elections will proceed as planned. During a ceremony presenting party flags to 44 NNPP chairmanship candidates at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, the governor affirmed his support for KANSIEC’s authority and emphasized that the state would not tolerate any actions aimed at disrupting the peace. He reassured supporters that the government is prepared to swear in winners declared by KANSIEC, urging NNPP members to mobilize at the ward level and prepare for the election.

Governor Yusuf’s firm stance underscores his administration’s commitment to maintaining the state’s electoral schedule, highlighting a determined push to uphold KANSIEC’s authority despite recent legal obstacles.