Fresh Protests Surge in Kano Over Appeal Court Judgment

Tensions have escalated in Kano following the Court of Appeal’s decision to sack Governor Abba Yusuf, sparking widespread uproar among citizens. The ruling, which unseated the incumbent governor, has ignited passionate demonstrations across various parts of the state, reflecting the populace’s dissatisfaction with the ruling.

An unsatisfied Yusuf had previously sought recourse at the Court of Appeal after the Kano State Tribunal deducted some 165,663 votes from his total votes, declaring them as invalid, offering that the ballot papers used weren’t stamped or signed by INEC,  consequently declaring APC’s Nasiru Gawuna as the winner of the March elections.

The Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the election tribunal’s verdict has prompted another wave of protests from Abba Yusuf’s supporters and political affiliates alike after a different copy of the Court of Appeal’s judgment was released and found to have affirmed Abba Yusuf as the duly elected governor of Kano State, contradicting the public disposition of the judges.

Donning attires in red, popularly affiliated with the Kwankwasiyya, a socio-religious movement tied to the  NNPP 2023 presidential candidate and former Kano governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, protesters have again taken to the streets in considerable numbers, voicing their grievances and expressing outrage over a decision considered to be unjust.

Reports indicate demonstrators displaying placards and chanting  “Kano Voted For Abba,” “Justice For Abba,” in solidarity with the ousted governor. As an aftermath of the crackdown on the protesters, a police Inspector  has been arrested for having allegedly killed one Salisu Rabiu while trying to disperse the crowd, raising concerns about public safety and the potential for further unrest. The protest which is the fourth, since the judgment ousting Governor Abba Yusuf, is aimed at drawing the attention of Nigerians and the international community towards the alleged contradiction in judgment by the Court of Appeal.

A similar protest broke out in Abuja last Wednesday and the political landscape in Kano remains tense as the aftermath of the court’s decision continues to unfold. 

This is a developing story