Drama In Kano! Appeal Court Nullifies Lower Court’s Verdict on LG Polls

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified a ruling by the Federal High Court (FHC) in Kano, which had invalidated the structure of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KASIEC) and the local government elections it conducted on October 26, 2024.

Delivering a unanimous judgment, the three-member panel led by Justice Biobele Georgewill held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate issues related to the composition of state electoral commissions and the eligibility of their members.

According to Naija News, the appellate court upheld three separate appeals filed by the Kano State Attorney General, the Kano State House of Assembly, and KASIEC. The appeals challenged the Federal High Court’s authority over the matter, and the Court of Appeal agreed, stressing that only the High Court of Kano State has the jurisdiction to entertain such cases.

The Court of Appeal also overturned another FHC ruling that had rejected the list of candidates submitted to KASIEC by the Musa Kwakwanso-led faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the recent LG elections.

The appellate court further noted that disputes involving political party leadership and candidate nominations fall outside the scope of judicial review.