Court dismisses APC’s suit to halt Kano LG elections

A Federal High Court in Kano has dismissed an attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to prevent the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) from organizing the upcoming local government elections in the state.

The APC, alongside Hon. Aminu Aliyu Tiga, filed an ex-parte motion through their legal team, led by Mustapha Idris Esq, N. A. Isa Esq, and I. A. Alhassan Esq. The motion sought to restrain KANSIEC from proceeding with election preparations.

The plaintiffs also requested an injunction to maintain the status quo, halting any actions related to the election until a ruling could be made on their main application.

Presiding Judge, Justice Simon Amobeda, rejected the interim injunction, stating that the defendants must be given the opportunity to respond and explain why the plaintiff’s request should not be granted.

The defendants in the suit include KANSIEC, its Chairman, Prof. Sani Lawal Malumfashi, the Kano State House of Assembly, the Attorney General, the Commissioner of Police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.

Copy of the court order sighted by Vanguard reads, “That prayers 1 and 2 are refused in the interim to the extent that the Defendants shall be put on Notice to show cause why these prayers shall not be granted.

“That prayer 3 is granted.

“That the time of hearing of the substantive Application is abridged to 5 days from the date of service of the Originating process and Order of this Court on the Defendants.

“That accelerated hearing of this case is hereby ordered, parties shall ensure that necessary processes are promptly filed to expedite the quick hearing and resolution of this matter.

“That no party shall do any act that will prejudice the hearing and quick determination of this matter.

“That Order of this Court and processes together with Hearing Notice shall be served on the Defendants with proof of same before the adjourned date,” the order reads.