A Federal High Court in Kano made headlines on Thursday by denying a request from a faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to stop the upcoming local government elections set for October 26, 2024.

The plaintiffs, comprising the NNPP faction and Engr Muhammad Babayo, had filed a suit against several defendants, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the Department of State Services. They sought a court order to halt the elections until the hearing and resolution of their motion on notice, requesting that both parties maintain the status quo during this period.

During the court proceedings, Justice Simon A. Amobeda listened to the arguments presented by the plaintiffs’ legal team, which included Barr. Dalhatu Shehu Usman and Ibrahim Salihu Paki. However, the judge ultimately rejected their request but directed that the respondents be notified to explain why the court should not grant the plaintiffs’ requests.

In a notable move, Justice Amobeda also ordered that the hearing of the suit be expedited, mandating that it take place within 72 hours of the court’s order. Additionally, he stipulated that all subsequent filings from both parties must be completed within 48 hours of the notification.