By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
The Court of Appeal Abuja has nullified the judgment delivered by a Federal High Court in Kano, which voided the composition of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC). In a unanimous judgment, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Biobele Georgewill, held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain cases bordering on the composition of states' electoral bodies and the qualification of members of such bodies.
The Court of Appeal allowed the three appeals filed by the Kano State Attorney General, the Kano State House of Assembly, and KANSIEC, striking out the suits filed before the Federal High Court for want of jurisdiction. The court noted that the proper court with the required jurisdiction is the High Court of Kano State.
The Court of Appeal also reversed another judgment delivered by the same Federal High Court in Kano, rejecting the list of candidates submitted to KANSIEC by the Kwankwanso faction of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) for the last local government election.
The NNPP's legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Rilwanu Umar, demonstrated unwavering commitment and maturity in their strategic approach to the case. Dr. Umar described the judgment as "welcoming and expected," saying, "Kano is now safe and peaceful with this landslide victory."
According to Dr. Umar, "The Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over local government elections and couldn't make judgments or orders stopping the elections." He added that "the members of KANSIEC are properly constituted by the Executive Governor of Kano State."
The Federal High Court in Kano had declared that the composition of KANSIEC's leadership was flawed, rendering them unfit to oversee local elections. The court ruled that the chairman and members of KANSIEC were card-carrying members of the NNPP, contravening constitutional and electoral requirements.
However, the Court of Appeal Abuja overturned this judgment, ruling that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over cases related to state electoral bodies' composition.
The NNPP's legal team, comprising Dr. Rilwanu Umar SAN, Mustapha Osein Esq, Musa Abdullahi Esq, Muhammad Isa Umar Esq, and Muhammad Kelechi Nwabueze Esq, tirelessly worked to defend the party's interests, showcasing exceptional legal acumen and strategic brilliance.
As Dr. Umar noted, the judgment has brought peace and stability to Kano State, and the NNPP can now focus on its electoral activities without any hindrance.
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Judiciary