Residents of Kano state have stayed off the streets today, following a no-movement order by the state government ahead of the local government elections.

The elections will decide new chairmen and councillors across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.

The development follows a recent decision by the Kano State High Court, which allowed the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to move forward with the elections. The court dismissed objections from political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), which tried to halt the vote.

In the ruling, Justice Sanusi Ma’aji confirmed that KANSIEC has the authority to conduct and oversee local elections across the state. “Under the Constitution, KANSIEC is mandated to organize elections in the state. Any attempt to block this process is void,” he stated.

The judge also urged security agencies to ensure the safety of residents and their property throughout the election period.

Earlier, a Federal High Court had attempted to pause the elections, questioning the legal formation of KANSIEC. However, the state high court’s decision has overridden this, allowing the polls to continue as scheduled.

It can be recalled that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) expressed confidence that his party would win the elections, citing strong public support for the NNPP across the state.