The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has doubled down on its decision to hold local government elections as planned on October 26, 2024. This firm stance comes just as the courts have swung their gavel, declaring the path clear for KANSIEC to conduct the polls—despite a series of legal moves aimed at derailing the process.
Addressing reporters on Friday, KANSIEC Chairman Sani Malumfashi made it clear that the show would go on. “We are fully prepared, and there is no going back,” Malumfashi declared confidently. He pointed out that a court with authority over local government matters had given the final word, ruling that KANSIEC could move forward with the election. In lockstep, the police have been instructed to provide full security for the exercise.
Earlier, a Federal High Court in Kano attempted to pull the plug on Malumfashi and other commission members, citing “alleged political affiliations” that some saw as compromising. The court went so far as to ban police involvement in the electoral process. But before KANSIEC could even blink, the Kano State High Court swept in to nullify that ruling, paving the way for KANSIEC to proceed with tomorrow’s elections.
Malumfashi didn’t hold back in criticizing the opposition party that tried to block the elections, a party that ironically, doesn’t seem interested in participating.
“The party challenging this election isn’t even taking part in it. They’ve refused to recognize our commission, haven’t engaged in any electoral process, and yet want to prevent the entire state from voting,” he scoffed.
Despite the legal maneuvering and the heated atmosphere, the lineup for the election has six political parties ready to compete, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Action Alliance (AA), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), African Action Congress (AAC), and Action Congress (AC).
With court rulings, legal dramas, and security plans all falling into place, KANSIEC seems determined to carry out tomorrow’s vote.
