As the Court of Appeal prepares to deliver its verdicts on the governorship elections in Kano and Plateau states this week, the residents and politicians are anxiously waiting for the outcome. The fate of the governors and lawmakers in both states hangs in the balance as the court will decide on the petitions and appeals filed by the aggrieved parties.
In Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) is challenging the tribunal’s decision that nullified his election and declared Nasir Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. Yusuf is hoping that the appellate court will overturn the tribunal’s ruling and restore his mandate.
The police in Kano have beefed up security in the state and banned political gatherings to prevent any possible violence or unrest that may erupt after the court’s judgement. The police also warned against any form of procession, protest or celebration that may provoke reactions from the opposing side.
Meanwhile, in Plateau, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a tough battle to retain his seat after the appellate court sacked all the lawmakers elected on his party’s platform in the National Assembly. The court ruled that the PDP did not conduct valid congresses in the state and therefore its candidates were independent candidates, which is unconstitutional.
The PDP in Plateau has insisted that it complied with the court order to repeat the congresses and that the nomination and qualification of its candidates were internal party matters. The party has expressed confidence that the governor will survive the legal onslaught and remain in office.
