Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Supreme Court Friday refused to affirm the lower courts’ decisions sacking the Kano State Governor, Yusuf Abba.
Recall that the tribunal had sacked Governor Yusuf’s election, declaring his 165,663 votes invalid.
The tribunal held that the deducted votes were from ballot papers that were neither stamped nor signed.
Dissatisfied with his sack, the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, then approached the appeal court for redress.
The appeal court upheld the tribunal’s decision and faulted the lower court for not disqualifying the governor.
The appellate court said the governor was not properly sponsored by the New Nigeria Peoples Party, thus violating the provisions of Section 177 (c) of the constitution.
The court, however, declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress winner of the election.
But the Supreme Court in a judgment read by, Justice John Okoro ordered that all the ballot papers from which the appellant votes were deducted should be restored to the governor.
He said the said paper contains the logo of INEC and the coat of arms as prescribed by the provisions of the Electoral Act.
He also held that the issue of party membership is an internal affair of the party.
The apex court restored Yusuf as the validly elected Governor of Kano State.
Recall that tension had been mounting in Kano ahead of the ruling.
