Kano Government Applauds Appeal Court Decision Upholding Local Government Elections

The Kano State Government has expressed satisfaction with the Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the validity of the recently conducted local government elections in the state, calling it a win for democracy and constitutional order.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government praised the appellate court’s decision, which overturned an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court in Kano that had attempted to stop the elections.

The Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja and led by Justice Oyewumi, ruled that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), who had challenged the legitimacy of the polls and accused the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Sani Lawan Malumfashi, of partiality.

By siding with the Kano State Government’s appeal, the appellate court reaffirmed the legality of the elections and declared them constitutionally valid.

Reacting to the judgment, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the ruling as a significant moment for democratic integrity, justice, and the rule of law.

“This verdict reinforces our faith in the judiciary as the guardian of democracy and the protector of the people’s rights,” the governor said. “It is a strong endorsement of our efforts to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process in the state.”

Governor Yusuf noted that the local government elections, which produced elected officials in all 44 LGAs and 484 wards, reflected the true will of the people and were conducted in line with democratic norms.

He also commended the citizens of Kano for their patience and civic maturity throughout the legal proceedings.

“The calm and composure displayed by the people during this period reflect a high level of democratic awareness and resilience,” he said.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering elected local councils to drive grassroots development and deliver democratic dividends across the state.

Commissioner Waiya, in his remarks, congratulated Governor Yusuf and the people of Kano, saying the court’s decision reinforces public trust in the electoral process and judiciary.