The Kano State Government has welcomed the recent Court of Appeal judgment validating the state’s local government elections, describing it as a significant victory for democracy and constitutional order.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government expressed satisfaction with the appellate court’s decision, which overturned an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court in Kano. That initial ruling had sought to halt the elections.
The Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja and led by Justice Oyewumi, declared that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case brought by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The plaintiffs had challenged the credibility of the elections and accused the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, Sani Lawan Malumfashi, of bias.
By upholding the state government’s appeal, the court confirmed the elections as legally valid and binding.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf praised the verdict as a victory for justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
“This ruling affirms our belief in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and a key pillar of democratic governance,” Yusuf said.
He added that the decision underscored the administration’s commitment to credible elections, which produced officials across all 44 local government areas and 484 wards in the state. He also commended the people of Kano for their patience and political maturity during the legal proceedings.
“We remain fully dedicated to grassroots development and will continue to support democratically elected local councils in delivering the dividends of democracy,” he stated.
Commissioner Waiya congratulated the governor and citizens, emphasizing that the ruling enhances public trust in the electoral process and judicial system.
“This victory belongs to every supporter of democracy. It affirms the will of the people as freely expressed at the polls,” he concluded.
