In a groundbreaking decision, the Kano State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has ruled in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring Nasiru Gawuna as the winner of the March 18 governorship election and consequently sacking the incumbent Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The judgment was transmitted virtually via Zoom, a teleconference service as the panel members were not physically in court.
This momentous judgment comes following weeks of rigorous legal battles during which lawyers from both parties presented their closing arguments on August 21.
The tribunal’s decision marks a significant twist in the political landscape of Kano State, as it overturns the initial declaration made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that proclaimed Governor Abba Yusuf, the candidate of the NNPP, as the victor with 1,019,602 votes, defeating Nasir Gawuna of the APC, who secured 890,705 votes.
Governor Abba Yusuf was initially declared the winner with a margin of 128,897 votes. However, the APC promptly filed a petition with the tribunal, challenging the results declared by INEC and raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. After careful deliberation, the three-man panel rendered their verdict today.
In a dramatic turn of events, the tribunal ordered the immediate withdrawal of the certificate of return previously issued to Governor Abba Yusuf by INEC and directed that a new certificate of return be issued to Nasiru Gawuna.
This decision was grounded in the tribunal’s findings that 165,663 votes cast in favor of Governor Abba Yusuf were invalid. These ballots, it was determined, lacked the necessary stamp and signature, rendering them ineligible.
This landmark verdict marks a significant turning point in Kano State politics, ushering in a new era with Nasiru Gawuna as the Governor-elect.
As the news of the tribunal’s decision reverberates throughout the state, it is expected that this outcome will generate intense discussions and reactions among political stakeholders and the general public in the coming days.
