NBA to Petition Police Over Kwankwaso’s Claim He Took Abba Yusuf to Meet Supreme Court Justices

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) says it will petition the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies over remarks attributed to Rabiu Kwankwaso concerning the 2019 Kano governorship election case.

At a recent meeting, the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) reviewed public comments in which Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), said he took Abba Yusuf to meet justices of the Supreme Court after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the election inconclusive.

The Supreme Court later upheld the election of Abdullahi Ganduje and dismissed Yusuf’s petition.

Kwankwaso made the remarks while addressing supporters following Yusuf’s recent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement shared on X by Etaba Agbor of the NBA Young Lawyers’ Forum, the association said the NEC considered the implications of the comments after they drew wide public attention.

The NBA said statements suggesting access to judicial officers or influence over court decisions could weaken public trust in the judiciary and the electoral justice system.

The association said its petition would not be limited to Kwankwaso but would cover any individual whose public statements suggest improper access to judges or undue influence on judicial decisions.

According to the NBA, the petition seeks an impartial investigation into the claims and does not presume wrongdoing.

It added that false claims of judicial interference threaten constitutional governance, while proven cases must be addressed through the law.

The NEC directed the NBA’s national leadership to prepare and submit a formal petition requesting a thorough investigation.

The association reiterated its support for judicial independence and the integrity of the courts.

Kwankwaso’s comments have prompted debate among legal practitioners and the public about their implications for the judiciary.