The Court of Appeal overturned a Federal High Court ruling that annulled the composition of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KASIEC) and the October 26, 2024, local government elections conducted by the commission.
In three unanimous judgments delivered on Friday, a three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear cases concerning the composition of state electoral bodies and the qualification of their members.
Legal Victory for Kano State
The Court of Appeal granted the appeals filed by the Kano State Attorney General, Kano State House of Assembly, and KASIEC. The appellate court also struck out the suits that led to the Federal High Court’s decision, asserting that such matters should be heard by the High Court of Kano State, which has the appropriate jurisdiction.
This judgment marks a significant victory for KASIEC and the Kano state government, as the Kano LG elections, originally called into question, are now deemed valid.
Leadership Dispute in NNPP
In a separate judgment delivered the same day, the Court of Appeal also reversed a Federal High Court ruling rejecting a list of candidates submitted by the Musa Kwakwanso faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the Kano LG elections.
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The appellate court found that the dispute concerning the leadership of NNPP and the authenticity of candidate lists submitted by two rival factions of the party was not justiciable. The court emphasized that issues related to party leadership and candidates’ nominations are beyond the jurisdiction of the courts.
Implications for Future Election Disputes
This ruling is pivotal, as it highlights the court’s stance on party disputes and the role of state courts in addressing matters related to electoral bodies and candidate eligibility. The judgment effectively upholds the legitimacy of the elections and the processes conducted by KASIEC in Kano State.
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