Kano State High Court Clears the Way for Local Government Elections

In a significant ruling, the Kano State High Court has given the green light for the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to proceed with local government elections scheduled for Saturday. This decision comes after a series of attempts by political parties to block the exercise.

Justice Sanusi Ma’aji, presiding over the case, ruled that KANSIEC has the constitutional power to conduct and oversee local government elections in the 44 local government areas (LGAs) of Kano State. The case was filed by KANSIEC against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 other political parties, who had sought to halt the elections.

In his ruling, Justice Ma’aji emphasized that any efforts to obstruct the electoral process would be deemed null and void. He emphasized, "KANSIEC, under the provisions of the Constitution, is mandated to hold elections in the state. Any attempt to truncate this process is a nullity."

Justice Ma’aji also called on security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property during the election. "It is crucial that security agencies urgently provide the necessary protection to safeguard lives and properties during the conduct of the elections tomorrow," he ordered.

This ruling comes on the heels of a Federal High Court decision on Tuesday, which had halted the council elections, citing the alleged illegal constitution of KANSIEC. However, the state high court’s ruling has now paved the way for the polls to proceed as planned.

With this decision, Kano State is set to conduct its long-awaited local government elections, with KANSIEC ready to carry out its constitutional mandate. The outcome of this ruling is expected to bring relief to the people of Kano State, who have been eagerly waiting for the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.