Court dismisses motion to postpone Kano local elections

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has dismissed an application from a faction of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) seeking to prevent the Local Government Area Council elections scheduled for October 26, 2024.

The application was filed by the NNPP and Engr. Muhammad Babayo as the plaintiff, with the defendants including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the Department of State Services.

The plaintiffs sought an order to stop the upcoming elections, arguing that it should remain on hold pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.

Additionally, they requested that both parties maintain the status quo until the court could address their motion.

However, presiding Judge Justice Simon Amobeda denied the requests during a hearing on Wednesday.

Instead of granting the injunction, the judge ordered that the respondents be put on notice to explain why the plaintiffs’ requests should not be granted.

Justice Amobeda, however, abridged the timeline for the hearing, requiring that the suit be heard within 72 hours of serving the court’s order.

Furthermore, the judge mandated that all subsequent processes be filed within 48 hours following the service of the order.

The case has been adjourned to October 16, 2024, where the court will likely review the responses from the defendants.