The Nigerian Democracy Working Group, a coalition of civil society organisations, scholars, democracy advocates, and entrepreneurs from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, has rejected the Federal High Court ruling in Kano that barred Prof. Sani Malumfashi, Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, from overseeing the local government elections.
Despite the court’s decision, just four days before the scheduled election, the Kano State House of Assembly confirmed that the local government elections will proceed as planned on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
In response, the coalition of CSOs announced their intent to petition against Justice Simeon Amobeda, the judge, who issued the ruling.
In a statement signed by Dr Vincent Okpara Innocent (Convener) and Dr Idris A. Mohammed (Co-Convener), the group condemned the judgment as an attempt to undermine democratic principles.
The CSOs criticised the actions of the Federal High Court judges in Kano, arguing that such rulings have contributed to a growing sense of frustration among citizens, who are weary of conflicting court orders that could have destabilised the state without divine intervention.
The group further criticised the Federal High Court in Kano for appearing to disrupt the state’s peace by obstructing an election long planned in the interests of more than 20 million citizens.
Describing the ruling as insensitive and harmful to democracy and social justice, the CSOs urged Nigerians to reject what they called an “irrational” decision.
