LG Polls: Court Disqualifies Kano Election Chairman, Members

Court Orders Removal of Kano Electoral Commission Chairman

“Whatever the eighth defendant is doing in preparation of the 2024 local government election in Kano State...”

Kano LG Polls: Court Directs Security Agencies to Enforce Constitutional Provisions After Removing Electoral Commission Chairman

Sani Malumfashi, Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, has been removed by a Federal High Court sitting in Kano just four days before the Local Government elections. The reason for his removal? His membership in the ruling New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP).

The court's decision was prompted by a case filed by Aminu Tiga and the All Progressive Congress (APC), naming the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, and 14 others as defendants.

Rulings:

Removal of Chairman and Members: The court ordered the immediate removal of Malumfashi and other commission members from their positions.

Conducting Elections: The court restrained the removed officials from conducting the 2024 Local Government Election in Kano State's 44 Local Governments until qualified persons are duly appointed.

Secretary's Eligibility: Kabir Zakirai, the commission's secretary, was deemed unqualified for his position due to not being a civil servant, violating Section 14 of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2001.

A Federal High Court in Kano has made a significant ruling, directing the police and other security agencies to ensure full compliance with specific provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This comes after Aminu Tiga argued that Sani Malumfashi, Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSEIC), and others were actively involved in partisan politics as card-carrying members of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP).

The court's order specifically references sections 197 (1) (b), 199 (2), and 200 (1) (a) of the Constitution, which prohibit individuals holding public offices from engaging in partisan politics. Tiga's argument highlighted the contradiction between Malumfashi's position and his involvement with the NNPP, prompting the court's decision.

Key Constitutional Provisions:

Section 197 (1) (b): Prohibits public officers from engaging in partisan politics

Section 199 (2): Ensures impartiality of public officers

Section 200 (1) (a): Regulates political activities of public officers

The judge's directive aims to uphold the Constitution and ensure the neutrality of electoral commission officials. This development has significant implications for the upcoming Local Government elections in Kano State, scheduled for Saturday.

“Whatever the eighth defendant is doing in preparation of the 2024 local government election in Kano State, such as the issuance of election guidelines, circulars, screening of candidates, sale of nomination and expression interest forms, whichever and however, are null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” the judge said.

“That the eighth to 14th defendants are forthwith disqualified and removed from their positions as chairman and members of the KANSIEC.

“That they are forthwith restrained from conducting the 2024 local government election in respect of 44 local governments in Kano State until and unless qualified persons are duly appointed.”

This development has significant implications for the upcoming elections, scheduled for Saturday. Stay tuned for further updates!