In response to recent legal rulings on Kano State’s local government elections, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), alongside the Organisation for Community and Civic Engagement (OCCEN) and Citizens Voice Against Corruption, has alleged a coordinated attempt to use the judiciary to obstruct democracy in the state.

The groups criticized Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano, accusing him of acting against local democratic interests and culture.

At a press conference, CDE’s convener, Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, expressed disapproval of the recent court order that restrained Kano’s electoral commission from holding elections. Waiya claimed the ruling contravened the Supreme Court’s directive that states must conduct elections by October, accusing certain figures of using the judiciary to delay the democratic process for political gain.

The groups cautioned that Justice Amobeda would be held accountable for any unrest resulting from the judicial interference.

The coalition urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to consider reassigning Justice Amobeda from Kano, warning that ongoing interference could affect political stability in the region. The groups also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to uphold the rule of law, cautioning that failing to address the situation could have political ramifications.