The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the validity of local government elections conducted in Kano State, overturning an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court that sought to halt the electoral process.

In a unanimous decision delivered on Friday, the appellate court, led by Justice Oyewumi, ruled that the Federal High Court in Kano lacked jurisdiction to hear the case challenging the elections. The suit, filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had alleged bias by the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi.

However, the Appeal Court sided with the Kano State Government’s position, affirming the legality of the elections in which the NNPP secured a sweeping victory, winning all 44 local government areas and 484 wards.

The verdict sparked widespread jubilation across the state, with the Kano State Government describing it as a triumph for democracy and the rule of law.

Reacting to the ruling, Kano Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the judgment reinforces public confidence in the judiciary and underscores Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to credible elections.

“This ruling is a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the collective will of the good people of Kano State,” Waiya said.

Governor Yusuf also expressed appreciation to the judiciary for its “courage and fairness,” and thanked Kano residents for their patience and resilience throughout the legal battle.

Waiya further assured that the state government remains committed to grassroots development and will continue to support the newly elected local government councils in delivering democratic dividends to the people.

“This triumph further strengthens our democratic institutions and reinforces the people’s mandate freely expressed at the polls,” he added.