1 week ago
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A Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Wednesday declined to grant an interim injunction sought by the All Progressives Congress to stop the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission from conducting chairmanship and councillorship elections in the 44 local government areas of the state.
The APC and one Aminu Aliyu Takai had filed a motion seeking to restrain KANSIEC, the Kano State House of Assembly, and other defendants from proceeding with the polls pending the determination of a motion on notice.
However, presiding over the case, Justice Simon Amobeda refused to grant the ex-parte application, which also requested the court to direct KANSIEC and other defendants to maintain the status quo regarding preparations for the election.
In his ruling, the judge stated, “I am unable to grant the ex-parte application for an interim injunction at this stage. All parties must be allowed to present their case.”
Instead, Justice Amobeda ordered that all parties involved be put on notice and appear before the court to show cause why the interim injunction should not be granted. He also directed the court bailiff to serve the Kano State House of Assembly, KANSIEC, and other defendants with all relevant court processes through the office of the Kano State Attorney-General.
The matter was adjourned to October 4, 2024, for a full hearing.
In the suit, the plaintiffs, APC and Takai, challenged the eligibility of Prof. Sani Lawal Malumfashi and other members of KANSIEC, accusing them of being partisan politicians and members of other political parties. They argued that this contravenes KANSIEC laws and other relevant statutes.
The defendants in the case include KANSIEC, the Kano State House of Assembly, the Attorney-General of the state, and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Also joined are the Director of the Department of State Services, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.
Justice Amobeda reiterated that the defendants must be served with the court order and processes, with proof of service presented before the next hearing date.
