The Kano State Government has confirmed that local government elections will proceed as scheduled on Saturday, October 26, despite a recent Federal High Court ruling sacking the state’s independent electoral commission’s chairman and its members.
Governor Abba Yusuf made the announcement on Thursday at a gathering at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where he presented flags to candidates from the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Yusuf stated that all legal and procedural requirements had been met for the elections to take place, vowing that attempts to halt the process would not succeed.
“We are aware of plans by enemies of the state to truncate this election, but by the grace of Allah, they will not succeed; the elections will be conducted peacefully and credibly,” he declared.
Some civil society organisations have expressed dissatisfaction in response to the court ruling, accusing Justice Simon Amobeda of impeding Kano State’s democratic rights.
Convener of Citizens for Development and Education (CDE) and spokesperson for allied groups such as Citizens Voice Against Corruption and the Organization for Community and Civic Engagement (OCCEN), Ibrahim Waiya, described the ruling as a setback to democratic processes.
Waiya argued that Justice Amobeda’s decision contradicts a Supreme Court directive mandating all states to hold local government elections by the end of October.
He alleged that the judge’s actions were intended to frustrate free and fair elections, adding that such interference disregards Kano’s culture and traditions.
In line with the court’s prohibition, the Kano State Police Command announced that it would not participate in election-related duties, but would focus on maintaining law and order.
Police spokesperson in the state, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa confirmed this in a video statement, adding that security forces would patrol the state to prevent disruptions.
He said, “We will comply with the court order restricting us from participation in the coming Kano State Local Governments Election.
“However, we will remain steadfast in fulfilling our constitutional mandate of protecting lives and properties,” Kiyawa said.
Commissioner of Police, Salmanu Garba has reportedly instructed operational commanders to conduct 24-hour patrols throughout the election period.
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