The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied rumours of a secret deal with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to influence the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on the Kano governorship election.
Responding to widespread speculation, the party, in a statement signed by its chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, termed the rumours “untrue and frivolous.”
Abbas rejected claims that the APC agreed to surrender its arguments in exchange for Governor Yusuf’s victory and subsequent defection to the APC.
Furthermore, the party dismissed insinuations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held clandestine meetings or intervened in the case to secure Governor Yusuf’s position.
“President Tinubu respects the rule of law and would never be part of any arrangement to subvert justice or support those who stole votes,” the statement said.
Abbas reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to pursuing its legal challenge at the Supreme Court. “We have concrete and convincing evidence presented at both the Tribunal and the Appeal Court, and we are confident of victory,” he said.
Addressing concerns about potential unrest after the Supreme Court verdict, Abbas dismissed fears of tension in Kano. “The people are happy with the lower court rulings and eagerly await the Supreme Court’s confirmation,” he asserted. He accused the NNPP of attempting to incite violence by provoking youths but assured the public that the APC would “ensure harmonious relationships with all ethnic nationalities in the state” and maintain peace regardless of any provocation.
The APC’s reaction comes amidst heightened political tension in Kano following the Court of Appeal’s judgment upholding the ruling of the Election Tribunal, which sacked Governor Yusuf and declared the APC candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, the rightful winner of the March 18 election.
