Court Removes Kano State Electoral Commission Chairman Days Before Election

In a significant ruling, the court has sacked the chairman of the Kano State Electoral Commission just days before the local government elections, raising concerns over the election’s administration.

A Federal High Court in Kano has dismissed Prof. Sani Malumfashi from his position as Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) following revelations that he was a registered member of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

The decision announced on Tuesday followed a lawsuit initiated by Aminu Tiga and the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which the State Attorney General, Haruna Dederi, along with 14 others were listed as defendants.

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Justice S.A. Amobede determined that Malumfashi and other members of the commission breached sections 197(1)(b) and 200(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which forbid electoral officials from engaging in partisan politics.

The court also determined that Kabir Zakirai, the Secretary of the commission, was not a civil servant, making him ineligible for the role.

The court’s ruling invalidated all actions by KANSIEC, including the preparations for the 2024 Local Government Election in Kano State.

Additionally, it removed the 8th to 14th defendants from their positions and prohibited them from supervising the upcoming elections. Law enforcement agencies were directed to ensure adherence to this ruling.