The Supreme Court’s verdict on the disputed 2023 Kano state governorship election hangs in the balance, with two key factors likely to determine the final outcome, political analyst Segun Akinleye has revealed.
Recall that the Court of Appeal, in a controversial move, initially upheld the tribunal’s decision to sack Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and declare Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner. However, a “clerical error” in the official court document contradicted the initial judgment, as it upheld the election of Governor Yusuf.
Akinleye, speaking to Legit.ng, cautioned against the influence of “manipulative judgements” and highlighted the “Wole Olanipekun factor” as a potential turning point.
Olanipekun, a renowned legal adviser and senior advocate, serves as counsel to Governor Yusuf and the Kano NNPP chapter. He also led President Tinubu’s successful defence in the recent presidential election.
“The Appeal Court’s contradictory document is a major embarrassment for the judiciary and raises serious questions,” Akinleye said. He further pointed to the complex political landscape in Kano, where Governor Yusuf’s dismantling of structures built by former governor and current APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje adds a layer of personal animosity to the dispute.
“Ganduje is determined to keep Kano under the APC banner, while Yusuf’s actions have created a personal rift between the two,” Akinleye explained.
He added, “Then there’s the Wole Olanipekun factor. His legal expertise and track record cannot be ignored. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.”
Akinleye expressed hope that the Supreme Court will avoid a repeat of the “scandalous” Imo state judgment, where Hope Uzodimma was declared governor despite finishing fourth in the polls.
