Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has called on the Federal Government and the judiciary to stay neutral in the ongoing local government elections in the state.
The governor made this statement after casting his vote in his home area, Chiranci Ward in Gwale.
Governor Yusuf praised the judiciary for upholding the rule of law but voiced concerns over recent actions by the Federal High Court in Kano. He suggested that the court might be under pressure to act against the public’s interest in the state.
“We respect the judiciary as the last hope for the common man,” Yusuf said. “However, when the judiciary allows itself to be influenced and becomes biased, it threatens peace. I urge the judiciary not to be used in any way that might undermine the will of the people.”
Governor Yusuf said that his administration would not tolerate intimidation. “Kano is known for its peaceful and law-abiding citizens. But we will not allow anyone to push us beyond our limits,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Aliyu Suleiman, the chairman of the Association of State Independent Electoral Commissions and Sokoto State’s electoral commission, reported that the election process was peaceful and saw a strong voter turnout.
The election was allegedly held in 484 wards across Kano. Meanwhile, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) expected to secure a victory in what has been a largely uncontested race.
The major opposition parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), withdrew from the race just before voting began.
A court had initially placed a restriction on the election. However, just hours before voting, a state high court allowed the government to proceed with the process.
