The Kano State Government has lauded the Court of Appeal’s judgment upholding the validity of the local government elections conducted in the state. The ruling, delivered by Justice Oyewumi in Abuja, overturned a previous Federal High Court decision that had sought to nullify the polls. The state government, through a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, expressed its elation at the appellate court’s decision, which it described as a significant bolster to democratic governance and constitutional order. The judgment brings an end to the legal tussle initiated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), who had contested the election’s legitimacy.
The crux of the appellants’ argument revolved around allegations of bias against the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Sani Lawan Malumfashi, and broader concerns regarding the credibility of the electoral process. However, the Court of Appeal firmly rejected these contentions, asserting that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit in the first place. This decisive ruling effectively validates the election outcomes and legally establishes the elected officials across the 44 local government areas and 484 wards in Kano State. The Kano State Government views this judgment as a resounding affirmation of its commitment to a transparent and credible electoral process.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf celebrated the court’s decision as a triumph for democracy, justice, and the rule of law in Kano State. He emphasized the importance of the judiciary as a cornerstone of democratic governance and a vital protector of constitutional integrity. The governor views the ruling as a clear endorsement of the state’s dedication to upholding a free, fair, and credible electoral process. He commended the people of Kano for their patience and political maturity demonstrated throughout the legal proceedings. Their peaceful conduct, he stated, reflects the democratic awareness and resilience of the citizenry. Governor Yusuf reaffirmed the government’s commitment to grassroots development and pledged continued support to the democratically elected local councils in their efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, echoed the governor’s sentiments, extending his congratulations to both Governor Yusuf and the people of Kano State. He believes the verdict reinforces the legitimacy of the electoral process and bolsters public trust in the judiciary. The commissioner emphasized the significance of the judgment in upholding the will of the people, declaring it a victory for all proponents of democracy. The state government now looks forward to a period of stability and progress at the local government level, with the elected officials empowered to focus on fulfilling their mandates and serving the needs of their constituents.
This legal victory allows the elected local government officials to commence their duties without the cloud of uncertainty that had previously hung over their legitimacy. It paves the way for the implementation of development plans and the delivery of essential services to the grassroots communities across Kano State. The state government, having successfully navigated this legal challenge, is now firmly positioned to focus its efforts on supporting the newly elected officials in driving local development initiatives. This includes providing the necessary resources and guidance to ensure effective governance and service delivery at the local level.
The Court of Appeal judgment marks a significant milestone in strengthening democratic processes within Kano State. By affirming the validity of the local government elections, it reinforces the principles of free and fair elections and underscores the importance of an independent judiciary in safeguarding democratic values. The resolution of this legal dispute allows the state government to move forward with its developmental agenda, working in conjunction with the elected local government officials to address the needs of the people and advance the overall progress of Kano State. This sets the stage for enhanced collaboration between the state and local governments, fostering an environment conducive to effective governance and sustainable development.
