A Federal High Court in Kano has dismissed the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Sani Malumfashi, just four days before the local government elections, citing his affiliation with the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The case was brought by Aminu Tiga and the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, along with 14 others, were named as defendants.
In his ruling, Justice S.A. Amobede stated that Kabir Zakirai, the secretary of the commission, was not a civil servant, rendering him ineligible for the role under Section 14 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law of 2001.
The judge declared that any actions taken by the commission in preparation for the 2024 local government elections, including the issuance of guidelines, candidate screening, and sale of nomination forms, were null and void.
He further ordered the immediate disqualification and removal of the KANSIEC chairman and members.
Justice Amobede also barred the commission from conducting the 2024 local government elections across the 44 local government areas in Kano State until qualified individuals are appointed.
The ruling was based on arguments from Mr. Tiga, who pointed out that Mr. Malumfashi and other commission members were active members of the NNPP, which violates sections 197 (1) (b) and 200 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
The court also directed security agencies to enforce the ruling in accordance with constitutional provisions.
