Supreme Court Pronounces Abba Yusuf as Kano Governor

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court on Friday affirmed Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as the duly elected Governor of Kano State.

Justice John Okoro, reading the lead judgment, declared the lower court’s deduction of 165,616 votes from Governor Yusuf’s total as erroneous.

Reversal of Previous Court Decisions

The apex court’s ruling brings a decisive conclusion to the legal challenges surrounding the March 18 governorship election in Kano State.

Notably, the Court of Appeal, on November 13, had upheld the decision of the Kano governorship election tribunal, nullifying Yusuf’s victory and declaring Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the legitimate governor.

Timeline of Legal Battles

Rewinding to September 2023, the Kano governorship election tribunal, composed of a five-member panel, initially nullified Governor Yusuf’s victory.

The tribunal’s decision was later reinforced by the Court of Appeal, which argued that Abba Yusuf’s candidacy breached the Electoral Law, rendering him unqualified for the election.

Supreme Court Redresses Grievance

Dissatisfied with the Court of Appeal’s ruling, Abba Yusuf sought redress in the Supreme Court.

Justice John Okoro’s lead judgment not only reversed the deduction of votes but also affirmed Yusuf’s legitimate claim to the governorship of Kano State.

Closure to a Protracted Legal Battle

With the Supreme Court’s unequivocal affirmation, the legal saga surrounding the Kano State governorship election has finally reached its conclusion.

Abba Yusuf emerges as the bona fide governor, putting an end to uncertainties that persisted since the election on March 18.

Awaiting Further Details

As the details of the Supreme Court’s ruling unfold, the political landscape in Kano State is expected to undergo shifts and adjustments.

Further insights into the judgment and its implications will be provided as additional information becomes available.