Kano, Nigeria — A Kano State High Court has overturned a Federal High Court ruling that barred the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) from holding Local Government Area elections scheduled for Saturday.
The initial ruling, issued by Justice Simon Amobeda on Thursday, prohibited KANSIEC from proceeding with the election, citing concerns that the commission’s executive members are “card-carrying members of the NNPP (New Nigeria People’s Party).”
However, in a counter judgment on Friday, Justice Sanusi Ma’aji of the Kano State High Court directed KANSIEC to go ahead with the planned election, challenging the Federal High Court’s position. “The election slated for Saturday must proceed as planned,” Justice Ma’aji stated, asserting the state court’s jurisdiction over the matter.
The back-and-forth rulings have sparked debate over the commission’s independence, with some questioning the political affiliations of its leadership. KANSIEC has stated it is prepared to follow the state court’s directive and proceed with Saturday’s vote.
