Tension in Kano ahead of court verdict on LG elections

Anxiety mounts in Kano as Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court is set to deliver a crucial judgment regarding the upcoming local government elections scheduled for next Saturday.

The outcome of this verdict will determine whether the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) can proceed with the elections as planned.

KANSIEC, while expressing its readiness for the polls, faces multiple legal challenges concerning the legitimacy of the electoral process.

These include the credibility of the commissioners, the cost of nomination forms, and the commission’s right to impose fees, among others.

The court will decide whether KANSIEC’s actions align with constitutional provisions, amidst claims from opposition parties that the commissioners are biased due to their alleged membership in the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The controversy also surrounds the cost of nomination forms, with KANSIEC initially setting fees of N10 million for chairmanship and N5 million for councillorship candidates. Although these fees were later reduced to N9 million and N4 million after a court order, opposition parties argue that even the reduced amounts are excessive and a form of tactical disobedience.

Adding to the tension is KANSIEC’s mandate requiring drug and psychiatric evaluations for candidates, which led to 20 NNPP aspirants testing positive for drugs. Despite the opposition parties rejecting this requirement, KANSIEC insists it is necessary for ensuring the mental fitness of candidates seeking leadership positions.

With the Federal Government’s deadline for conducting local council elections fast approaching, the stakes are high, and the court’s decision will significantly impact the future of Kano’s political landscape.