The Court of Appeal Abuja has set aside the judgment by a Federal High Court in Kano voiding the composition of the lower court's decision.
In three unanimous judgments, a three-member panel, presided over by Justice Biobele Georgewill, held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain cases bordering on the composition of states’ electoral bodies and the qualification of members of such bodies.
The Court of Appeal allowed the three appeals filed by the Kano State Attorney General, the Kano State House of Assembly, and KANSIEC, striking out the suits filed before the Federal High Court for want of jurisdiction, noting that the proper court with the required jurisdiction is the High Court of Kano State.
The Court of Appeal also reversed another judgment delivered by the same Federal High Court in Kano, rejecting the list of candidates submitted to KANSIEC by the Kwankwanso faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the last local government election in Kano State.
Leading the NNPP's legal team, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Rilwanu Umar, demonstrated unwavering commitment and maturity in his strategic approach to the case.
"We have said it before, The federal high court lack jurisdiction over local government elections and can’t make judgment or order stopping the elections and members are properly constituted by executive Governor of kano state"
Dr Rilwanu Umar, A Veteran and Seasoned Legal Practitioner post_ judgement reiterated to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice was evident in his meticulous preparation and presentation of the case.
Umar described the judgement as welcoming and expected yearnings for all. According to the leading counsel "Kano is now safe and peaceful with this landslide victory" Said Lirwanu Umar SAN.
It could be recalled that, Justice Amobeda of Federal High Court, Kano declared that the composition of KANSIEC's leadership was flawed, rendering them unfit to oversee local elections. He ruled that the chairman and members of KANSIEC were card-carrying members of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), contravening constitutional and electoral requirements.
According to him "All actions taken by KANSIEC in preparation for the election, including the issuance of election guidelines and screening of candidates, were deemed null and void.
Amobeda's judgement also instructed security agencies, including the police and DSS, not to provide security for the elections until KANSIEC is reconstituted according to legal standards.
However, the Court of Appeal Abuja later overturned this judgment, ruling that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over cases related to state electoral bodies' composition.
The NNPP's legal team, led by Dr. Rilwanu Umar SAN, demonstrated unwavering commitment and tenacity throughout the legal proceedings.
Alongside his team, comprising Mustapha Osein Esq, Musa Abdullahi Esq, Muhammad Isa Umar Esq, and Muhammad Kelechi Nwabueze Esq, Dr. Umar SAN, also R I Yaura & A B Kura Esq tirelessly worked to defend the party's interests, showcasing exceptional legal acumen and strategic brilliance.
According to him, Despite the complexity of the case, the team remained resolute, presenting compelling arguments and navigating the intricacies of electoral law with ease.
