Federal Supreme Court Dismisses Minority MPs' Lawsuit Over Nineveh Residential Land Resolution

The Federal Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by minority representatives against Nineveh's Governor and the Head of its Provincial Council. The court's decision, Case No. 194/Federal/2026, was issued on September 7, 2026. Plaintiffs included current MPs: Waad Mahmoud Ahmed Al-Qaddo (Shabak quota), Ahlam Ramadan Fattah (Kakayi component), and Khalid Sido Aziz (Yazidi quota). Duraid Jamil Ishoo (Christian component, fifth session MP) also joined. The suit targeted the Nineveh Provincial Council Head and Governor in their official capacities. The lawsuit challenged the constitutionality of Nineveh Provincial Council Resolution No. (168) for 2026. This resolution, adopted by absolute majority, endorsed recommendations from a committee formed under Administrative Order No. (7048 on 24/12/2024) concerning residential lands with official deeds where construction is prohibited. Plaintiffs sought to annul the resolution. The court ruled to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction, citing Article (93/third) of the 2005 Iraqi Constitution and Article (31/eleven/3) of Law No. (21) of 2008 on Governorates Not Organized into a Region (as amended). The unanimous decision is final and binding, based on Articles (93 and 94) of the 2005 Iraqi Constitution and Articles (4 and 5) of Federal Supreme Court Law No. (30) of 2005 (as amended). The ruling was publicly announced on September 7, 2026.