APC-led suit challenging legality of unelected councils faces expanded opposition as workers, elected chairmen join case
The Federal High Court in Kano has postponed until May 26 the hearing of a suit seeking to block statutory allocations to Kano’s 44 local government councils, following the admission of four new interested parties into the case.
Expanded Legal Battle Over LG Legitimacy
Justice Simon Amobeda granted the adjournment after approving joinder applications from:
- National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE)
- National Union of Teachers
- Health workers’ union
- The 44 elected LG chairmen
The suit, filed by APC chieftains Abdullahi Abbas and Aminu Aliyu-Tiga, contends that the current councils violate Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution by operating without democratic elections.
Legal Wrangling Intensifies
Plaintiffs’ counsel Abdul Adamu-Fagge (SAN) argued the new parties were unnecessary, stating: “The 44 local councils are not lawfully constituted.” However, defense lawyer Sabiu Sammani-Lawan countered: “Our clients have direct interest in this suit’s outcome.”
Notably, Femi Falana (SAN), representing Kano State, indicated the case’s fate hinges on a pending Court of Appeal decision regarding the dissolved Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).
Background of the Dispute
The legal battle stems from an October 2024 court order that halted LG elections, citing KANSIEC’s alleged partisanship. The APC now seeks to extend that ruling by freezing funds to the councils.
Key Developments:
- Court warns against last-minute filings before May 26 hearing
- CBN, finance ministry among 59 respondents
- Previous injunction blocked October 2025 LG polls
