In a recent legal development that has significant implications for the electoral process in Kano State, the Court of Appeal made a pivotal decision regarding the validity of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KASIEC) and its conduct during the local government election held on October 26, 2024.
The initial judgment handed down by a Federal High Court in Kano, which had voided the composition of KASIEC and questioned the legitimacy of the election itself, was overturned by a three-member panel at the Court of Appeal. Led by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, the appellate court unanimously ruled that matters concerning state electoral bodies’ structure and members’ qualifications fall outside the jurisdiction of federal courts. As such, these issues should be addressed within state courts.
“The Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain cases involving states’ electoral bodies and their members,”
stated Justice Georgewill during the proceedings. This ruling highlights a crucial aspect of legal interpretation when it comes to delineating responsibilities between federal and state judicial entities.
The successful appeals filed by key stakeholders including the Kano State Attorney General, the State House of Assembly, and KASIEC itself resulted in the dismissal of suits brought before the Federal High Court for being beyond its legal purview. The Court of Appeal emphasized that disputes related to state electoral commissions should be adjudicated at the High Court level within each respective state.
Furthermore, an additional judgment issued by the Court of Appeal addressed another contentious issue arising from internal party politics. Specifically, it pertained to a leadership dispute within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) regarding candidate nominations for the local government election in Kano State.
Regarding this matter, Justice Georgewill underscored that questions surrounding party leadership dynamics and candidate selection processes are not within the realm of judiciary intervention. He emphasized that such intra-party disputes are better resolved internally within political organizations rather than through external legal channels.
This series of rulings serves as a reminder of both legal boundaries in addressing electoral disputes and broader principles guiding judicial intervention in political matters. By upholding these core tenets, courts play a vital role in safeguarding democratic processes while also respecting institutional jurisdictions.
In essence, these decisions reflect a nuanced balance between legal oversight and political autonomy essential for maintaining transparency and integrity in electoral systems across states like Kano.
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