***Quashes Suit, cites Lack of Merit
In a legal showdown that captured national attention, the Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Monday delivered a sweeping judgment dismissing a suit by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which sought to halt federal funding to all 44 local government councils in Kano State currently controlled by the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Presiding Judge, Justice Simon Amobeda, ruled that the case lacked merit and failed to meet procedural requirements, effectively shutting the door on any potential revival.
The APC, through its State Chairman Prince Abdullahi Abbas, had dragged a long list of federal institutions to court—including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)—accusing them of funding what it called “illegitimate” local governments. The party insisted that the NNPP-led chairmen were not elected in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.
But Justice Amobeda firmly dismissed the claim.
“This suit is without merit. It is hereby dismissed,” he ruled, siding with a chorus of respondents who argued the case was not only flawed but baseless.
While APC’s counsel, Mr. Sunday Olowomoran, tried to withdraw the suit—citing a recent Court of Appeal decision that ruled the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Kano State High Court—respondents pushed back, insisting the case be dismissed outright and with serious financial consequences.
Federal and state institutions lined up to demand compensation:
CBN and RMAFC asked for N11million each in legal costs.
The Attorney-General of the Federation’s office sought N2.5 million.
Kano State Government demanded a staggering N2 billion in damages, calling the suit frivolous and disruptive.
Kano State Attorney-General’s team sought ₦5 million.
Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), which had its office shut for three months due to the litigation, asked for N2 million for trauma and operational losses.
“KANSIEC suffered both psychological and financial strain. We had to halt operations, file multiple court processes, and endure public confusion. We deserve compensation,” said the commission’s counsel, Ibrahim Wangida.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Eyitayo Fatogun, representing the 44 LGA chairmen, and Mustapha Hussaini, appearing for the officials themselves, urged the court to award an additional ₦44 million—₦1 million per local council.
What began as a political strike by the APC ended in a courtroom defeat, with NNPP’s control over Kano’s grassroots government reaffirmed and federal agencies walking out with their reputations intact.
The ruling is not just a legal technicality—it sends a strong signal about the sanctity of local government autonomy and the high bar required to halt statutory funding based on political disagreements.
As the dust settles, political observers say the judgment could have ripple effects on similar challenges in other states, reaffirming that elections—not courtrooms—remain the ultimate test of political legitimacy.
