The Kano State Government has praised the Court of Appeal’s decision affirming the legitimacy of the recent local government elections, calling it a significant victory for democracy and constitutional order.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government expressed satisfaction with the appellate court’s ruling, which overturned an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court in Kano that sought to suspend the elections.
The Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice Oyewumi, determined that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case brought by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The suit had questioned the integrity of the election and accused the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, Sani Lawan Malumfashi, of bias.
By upholding the appeal filed by the Kano State Government, the appellate court validated the elections and declared them legally binding.
Reacting to the judgment, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
“This judgment reaffirms our deep faith in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and a key pillar of our democratic system,” he said.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that the ruling underscored the state’s dedication to a transparent and credible electoral process, which resulted in the election of representatives in all 44 local government areas and 484 wards.
He also commended the people of Kano for their patience and political maturity throughout the legal proceedings, noting that their calm demeanor reflected the growing democratic awareness among the populace.
“The government remains committed to promoting grassroots development and supporting democratically elected local councils in delivering the dividends of democracy,” the statement added.
Commissioner Waiya extended congratulations to Governor Yusuf and the people of Kano, stating that the verdict not only affirmed the legitimacy of the elections but also strengthened public trust in the judiciary.
“This victory is for all who cherish democracy. It validates the will of the people as freely expressed at the ballot box,” he concluded.
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