Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for reportedly resisting pressure to influence the Supreme Court’s decision in the Kano governorship election. In a statement released on Sunday by the Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Bature Tofa, Governor Yusuf alleged that former Kano Governor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, attempted to influence the court verdict but was unsuccessful in swaying Tinubu.
The Supreme Court recently reinstated Yusuf’s victory in the March 18, 2023, governorship election, overturning nullifications by both the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal. This decision quelled tensions in Kano following Yusuf’s removal by the lower courts.
Yusuf, in his statement, expressed satisfaction with Tinubu and Shettima’s resilience in the face of alleged pressure to interfere with the apex court’s ruling. He extended an olive branch to his rival, Nasiru Gawuna, emphasizing the need to prioritize Kano’s development now that the political contest has concluded.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje were unsuccessful, and the APC in Kano State refrained from commenting until the party members met the national chairman.
Meanwhile, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the ruling APC, Nze Chidi, commended the Supreme Court’s verdicts on seven states’ governorship elections, including Kano, stating that it has eased tension in the country.
Governor Abba Yusuf received a warm welcome from supporters upon his return to Kano after the Supreme Court judgment. A huge crowd gathered at Kwanar Dangora to celebrate his victory, and he acknowledged their cheers as his convoy proceeded to address supporters at Filin Mahaha in the Kano metropolis.
Over the weekend, Governor Yusuf appointed three of his predecessors, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, as members of the newly established Elders Advisory Council. The council comprises a diverse group of distinguished elders, former leaders, and representatives from various sectors, tasked with providing advisory support to the state government.
