INEC Reverses Course, Joins Appeal Against APC’s Tribunal Victory in Kano Governorship Race

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reversed its earlier decision and chosen to join the appeal against the declaration of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the victor in the Kano governorship election tribunal.

The Kano State Governorship Election Tribunal had previously unseated Governor Yusuf, instructing INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to the APC candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna. However, Governor Yusuf is determined to challenge this outcome and has enlisted the services of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun, to fight for what he claims is his “victory.”

Governor Yusuf’s appeal, consisting of 42 grounds, was filed before the Appeal Court in Kano, seeking the annulment of the Tribunal’s judgment. Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) is leading the legal team, including Bode Olanipekun (SAN), Ibrahim G. Waru, and Akintola Makinde, with Wole Olanipekun & Co as the Legal Firm handling Governor Yusuf’s case at the Appellate Court. On the opposing side, Chief E.O.B. Offiong (SAN) remains the Counsel for the APC.

Initially, Suleiman Alkali, the Head of Legal department at INEC’s Kano office, had written to the Secretary of Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, stating that INEC would not participate in Governor Yusuf’s appeal. In the letter, Alkali cited INEC’s role as an impartial umpire and stated that there was no reason for INEC to appeal any judgment.

However, in a surprising twist, Alkali, while not denying writing the initial letter, announced that INEC had decided to proceed with the case at the appellate court. He explained that the withdrawal letter sent to the Tribunal had been recalled, emphasizing that INEC’s legal team was prepared to continue with the case at the appellate court. Alkali admitted to being misled into writing the initial letter and expressed bewilderment at how it had been leaked to the media.

Journalists in Kano were shown a copy of the Notice of Appeal filed on behalf of INEC by the law office of Dikko & Mahmood on October 3, confirming that the Commission had officially appealed the judgment, thereby taking a surprising U-turn in the ongoing legal battle over the Kano governorship election results.