Tribunal Sacks Gov Yusuf, Declares APC Winner

Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Declares APC Winner

In a significant turn of events, the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Kano State has rendered a verdict that has shaken the political landscape. The tribunal has ousted the incumbent state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 18 election.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who had initially secured victory through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the platform of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), now faces the reversal of that decision.

The tribunal’s ruling, which was delivered on Wednesday, overturned INEC’s declaration and instead proclaimed Nasir Gawuna as the rightful winner. This decision signifies a significant shift in the political dynamics of Kano State.

In its judgment, the three-member panel made a compelling order to withdraw the certificate of return that had been presented to Governor Yusuf by INEC. Instead, the tribunal directed that a certificate of return be issued to Nasir Gawuna.

The tribunal’s decision also hinged on the invalidation of a substantial number of votes, specifically deducting 165,663 votes from Governor Yusuf’s total tally. These votes were deemed invalid due to the absence of the required stamp or signature, rendering them ineligible in the electoral process.

This ruling has undoubtedly set the stage for legal and political ramifications in Kano State. It underscores the significance of the judiciary in the democratic process and the role of election tribunals in upholding the integrity of electoral outcomes.

As the situation unfolds, it is likely to have far-reaching consequences on the political landscape not only in Kano State but also within the broader Nigerian political arena.