Supreme Court Upholds Abba Yusuf’s Victory, Eases Political Tension in Kano State

The Supreme Court has delivered a judgment declaring Abba Yusuf as the duly elected governor of Kano State, a decision that has eased political tension in the state.

This ruling comes as a significant development in the power struggle between the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region.

The judgment, which affirms Yusuf’s victory in the February 2023 governorship election, is seen as a victory for Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP and a prominent figure in Kano State politics.

Kwankwaso, known for his Kwankwasiyya movement, wields considerable influence and commands a large following in the state.

The political rivalry between Kwankwaso and Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, has been a defining feature of Kano State politics.

This tension escalated following the declaration of Yusuf as the winner of the governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the victory was challenged by Nasiru Gawuna, the APC candidate and former Deputy Governor to Ganduje, who contested the results.

Despite the tribunal and the Appeal Court initially ruling in Gawuna’s favor and sacking Yusuf as governor, the Supreme Court has now overturned these decisions.

In its judgment, the Supreme Court cited fundamental flaws in the findings of the lower courts, leading to a miscarriage of justice.

Justice John Inyang Okoro, delivering the judgment, reinstated the 165,616 votes that were earlier deducted from Yusuf’s total votes, affirming his victory.

The Supreme Court’s ruling not only upholds Yusuf’s victory but also marks a significant milestone in the political landscape of Kano State, potentially reshaping the dynamics of power in the region.