The Nigerian Democracy Working Group (NDWG), a coalition of civil society organizations, academics, and democracy advocates, announced plans to file a petition against Justice Simeon Amobeda, a Federal High Court judge in Kano, following a controversial ruling that halted local government elections in Kano State.
The group criticized the judgment, which dismissed the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KNSIEC) chairman and five commissioners just days before the scheduled local government elections.
In a statement signed by its convener, Dr. Vincent Okpara Innocent, and co-convener, Dr. Idris A. Mohammed, the NDWG accused the court of undermining democratic processes.
“This judgment is an attempt to destabilize Kano State and disrupt its democratic trajectory,” the statement read.
The group further alleged that federal courts in Kano have historically issued conflicting judgments, causing confusion and unrest.
They called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun, to investigate Justice Amobeda’s actions and ensure accountability within the judiciary.
“The judiciary must be seen as an institution that protects democracy, not one that erodes public trust in the democratic process,” the group asserted, warning that unchecked judicial decisions could further harm Nigeria’s political stability.
The NDWG emphasized the need for judicial reforms and accountability in the country, urging the public to condemn the court’s decision, which it described as a miscarriage of justice and a threat to democratic governance.
