Kano State Governorship Election: Appeal Court certified judgment affirms Abba Yusuf’s victory

In a twist of events, a certified copy of the Appeal Court’s judgment on the Kano State Governorship election has solidified Abba Yusuf’s victory, establishing him as the duly elected Governor.

The written judgment explicitly set aside the ruling of the Kano election petition tribunal, citing a lack of merit. The evidence, found on page 67 of the released copy of the Appeal Court judgment on Tuesday, bears the registrar’s signature, Mr. Jameel Ibrahim Umar, confirming the appellate court’s endorsement of Abba Kabiru Yusuf from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Recalling the events, the three-member panel of the Appeal Court, on November 17, 2023, dismissed the appeal filed by Governor Yusuf, citing concerns about his membership status. Subsequently, the appellate court affirmed Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 25, 2023, governorship poll in Kano.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday evening, Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, emphasized that page 67 of the certified judgment clearly indicated the tribunal’s ruling that removed Governor Yusuf had been set aside.

Barrister Dederi maintained that, contrary to the information presented by the judges in the courtroom on November 17, the written evidence has vindicated Abba Yusuf as the legitimate Governor of Kano State. This development introduces a new layer of complexity and confusion surrounding the Kano State Governorship election outcome.