[ad_1]
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has declared the local government elections held by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KAANSIEC) on Saturday illegal, citing an existing court judgment.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), APC chief Rabiu Bichi maintained that the order of the Federal High Court issued by Justice Simon Amobede in Kano remains in force, effectively nullifying the election. .
According to Bichi, the court found that the KANSEC leadership was biased towards the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and that the commission’s actions were partial.
“The party’s position was informed by a court order by Justice Simon Amobede of the Federal High Court in Kano, which remains in force and invalidated the election.
“The judge ruled that the leadership of KANSEC is partisan and biased towards the ruling party in the state, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
“As this judgment has not been appealed, the APC considers any outcome of the election to be illegal,” he said.
Mr. Bichi further cited the recent Federal High Court judgment that disqualified all NNPP chairperson candidates in the local government elections, reinforcing APC’s position that the elections were invalid.
He urged APC members to be patient as the party pursues legal avenues to challenge the electoral process.
In response, KANSEC Chair Professor Sani Malmufasi insisted that the committee acted lawfully and followed procedural guidelines.
He emphasized that KANSEC is non-partisan and directed staff and volunteers to avoid corruption, enforce age requirements and reject attempts at vote-buying and violence.
Mr Marumfasi reminded participants that the Kano High Court judgment on Friday gave KAANSIEC the authority to proceed with the elections.
On Friday, Justice Sanusi Ado Maji of Kano State High Court No. 15 upheld the jurisdiction of KAANSIEC to conduct the scheduled local government polls, finding the applicant’s argument successful.
