Victor EzejaThe Supreme Court has affirmed the victory of Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the March 18 gubernatorial election in Kano State.
According to the five-member Supreme Court led by Justice John Inyang Okoro, Yusuf’s removal as governor of the state was done in error by the election petition tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
Justice Okoro, delivering the lead judgment, emphasized that both lower courts erred in deducting valid votes from Governor Yusuf based on the argument that ballot papers lacked signatures, stamps, or dates.
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The apex court held that 165,663 votes wrongly deducted were, in fact, legitimate, as 146,292 ballot papers were confirmed to bear official marks, even if they lacked a date, making them valid under Section 63(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
Moreover, the court refuted the lower courts’ assertion that Yusuf’s non-membership in the NNPP led to the annulment of his election.
Emphasizing that party matters were internal affairs, the Supreme Court upheld Yusuf’s victory, stating that he secured the majority of lawful votes and was duly nominated by his political party.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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