The Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, has rejected the appeal court judgment affirming the verdict of the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sacking him, vowing to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court.
The governor, who spoke in a broadcast, described the appeal court judgment as a miscarriage of justice.
However, he urged the people of Kano State to remain calm and law-abiding as his team of lawyers prepared to reclaim what he described as his mandate at the Supreme Court.
The Appeal Court had upheld the ruling of the State Election Petitions Tribunal, which nullified Yusuf’s victory in the March 18 governorship election and declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, as the rightful winner.
Reacting to the Appeal Court’s decision, Governor Yusuf expressed optimism that the Supreme Court would overturn the lower courts’ rulings and restore his “mandate” given by the people of Kano.
In a statement posted on his social media handle, Abba Yusuf stated that his decision to appeal was taken after careful consideration and extensive consultations with stakeholders.
“We are optimistic that the Supreme Court will, by the grace of Allah SWT, set aside these miscarriages of justice by the Tribunal and the Appeal Court, and reaffirm our mandate, as given by the good people of Kano State,” Yusuf said.
The governor further urged the people of Kano to maintain peace and continue their normal activities, assuring them that the necessary measures have been taken to ensure their safety and security. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to continuing its laudable projects and programs aimed at restoring Kano’s lost glory.
“Finally, I call on the good people of the state and other well-meaning Nigerians to continue to pray for Allah’s mercy and protection to save the state from the injustice of mischief makers, who are desperately scheming to hijack power through the back door and return the state to the dark ages. – AKY,” he added.
