National Telescope national telescope newspaper
A Federal High Court in Kano has removed Prof. Sani Malumfashi, the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), just four days before the local government elections.
The court ruled that Malumfashi is a card-carrying member of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), which disqualifies him from the position.
The case was brought by Aminu Tiga and the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the State Attorney General, Haruna Dederi, and 14 others named as defendants.
In his judgment, Justice S.A. Amobede also stated that Kabir Zakirai, the Secretary of the commission, is not a civil servant and therefore unqualified for his role under the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law of 2001.
The judge declared that any actions taken by Zakirai in preparation for the upcoming local government elections, including the issuance of election guidelines and candidate screenings, are null and void.
He further disqualified and removed the chairman and members of KANSIEC from their positions, restraining them from conducting the elections until qualified replacements are appointed.
Justice Amobede instructed police and security agencies to ensure compliance with sections 197 (1) (b), 199 (2), and 200 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Aminu Tiga argued that Malumfashi and other commission members were engaged in partisan politics, violating constitutional provisions regarding their eligibility for the commission.
