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Court reserves judgment in Kano governorship appeal
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has reserved judgment in the appeal by the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, challenging his removal by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.
KANO FOCUS recalled that the tribunal had on September 20 nullified Yusuf’s election by declaring 165,663 of his votes invalid.
The tribunal held that the ballot papers were not signed nor stamped by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Consequently, the tribunal declared the APC candidate the winner of the governorship election.
Dissatisfied with the judgment, Yusuf appealed against the tribunal verdicts and urged the court to set aside the judgment.
At the hearing of the appeal on Monday, the lead counsel for the appellant, Wole Olanipekun urged the court to set aside the judgment of the lower court.
Olanipekun argued that the tribunal has created a new jurisprudence that departs from the precedent set by the appeal court and the apex court with its judgment.
The lead counsel submitted that it was the first time an election would be nullified based on non-stamping and signing of ballot papers.
He also held that the tribunal erred in referring to section 71 of the Electoral Act and citing decisions arising from the section.
According to him, the section cited relates to electoral forms and sum sheets, adding that there was no meeting point between that and the ballot papers.
He also argued that this was the first time that a political party filed a matter without joining its candidate as a party in the petition and the latter was declared winner of the polls.
Olanipekun, however, urged the court not to allow the judgment of the lower court to stand.
In his submission, the lead counsel for the first respondent, Akin Olujuimi, SAN urged the court to dismiss the appeal.
Olujimi said, “Contrary to the contention that the tribunal created a jurisprudence, the decision of this court right from 2009 laid it down under the regulation of INEC has set up what presiding officers are to do at the point of casting of votes. It said signatures and stamps must be on ballot papers with dates. And this court has heard that failure to do this is a clear case of non-compliance. It is not a new jurisprudence.”
He claimed that INEC admitted that the ballot papers were invalid, urging the court to dismiss the appeal.
He also argued that section 71 alluded to by the lower court rather than section 63 should not be a basis for the nullification of the court’s decision.
“The wrong reference to section 71 should not have anything to do with the validity of the decision, ” Olujuimi added.
Responding to Olanipekun’s submission that the candidate was not joined in the case, Olujimi said it is settled law that votes are cast for the party in an election and that any decision affecting a political party embraces all its members.
In the APC’s cross-appeal, Olujimi also argued before the court that the Kano State governor was not a member of the NNPP as of the time he was sponsored by the party.
Counsel for INEC, A.B Mahmoud SAN asked the appeal court to dismiss APC’s cross-appeal, adding that it was lacking in merit.
In a sister appeal by INEC, Mahmoud held that the tribunal turned the election jurisprudence law upside down with its judgment.
“What the court did was outside the scope of the tribunal. The electoral Act does not permit the tribunal to embark on this scrutiny or recount.
“We want this court to correct the anomaly and set the jurisprudence right. I urge the court to allow this appeal as it is preeminently meritorious and set aside the judgment of the lower court,” he added.
Counsel for the APC, Offiong Offiong urged the court to dismiss the appeal.
He argued that a trial court can investigate documents submitted as evidence to it.
The court, however, reserved judgments in all the matters till a date that would be communicated to parties involved in the appeal.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
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