In a significant development, the Supreme Court has upheld Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf’s (NNPP) victory in the Kano State Governorship election held on March 18th.
This decision comes after the tribunal and lower courts initially ruled against Gov Kabir Yusuf, favoring the petitioner, APC, and its candidate Gawuna.
Justice Inyang Okoro JSC delivered the lead judgment, highlighting a crucial point:
“The tribunal’s decision to deduct 165,616 votes from the Governor’s results was based on provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. However, it’s important to note that a ballot paper without the INEC mark is not automatically invalid. There is no proof that these ballots were not used in the election. Therefore, the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the tribunal’s decision is set aside, and all the ballots are reinstated for Governor Yusuf.”
Addressing the issue of membership and nomination, the Apex Court emphasized:
“This court consistently asserts that the nomination or sponsorship of a candidate is solely the prerogative of the political party.”
In essence, the Supreme Court’s ruling affirms Governor Kabir Yusuf’s legitimacy, putting an end to the legal challenges posed by the APC.
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