The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has said it is carefully studying the results of Saturday’s Kano governorship election and will soon make its position known.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Abba Kabir Yusuf, popularly known as Abba Gida-Gida, as winner of the governorship election in the state.
In the final results announced by the Returning Officer, Professor Ahmad Doko Ibrahim, Abba Gida-Gida polled 1,019,602 votes, while his closest rival, candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, polled 890,705 votes.
But reacting to the outcome of the poll, the APC in a statement by the spokesman of Gawuna-Garo Campaign Council and the state Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, asked party supporters to remain calm.
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“The APC is carefully analysing the election process and collation of results with a view to taking decision at the appropriate time,” he said.
In another statement, the State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, said the force would not allow any breakdown of law and order in the state on account of the outcome of the elections.
However, Kano women who voted in the election have boasted that they were the major force behind the downfall of the ruling APC in the governorship election in the state.
Maryam Abdullahi, who spoke with Daily Trust yesterday said, “I voted at Murtala Muhammad Secondary School, and I can confidently tell you that 70 per cent of the voters there were women. And out of that 70%, more than 50% voted for the NNPP candidate.
“This is to show you that women should not be underestimated. Men have made mistakes repeatedly. People should also note that we are not just doing it to get personal favours from the government, we want things to change for us, our families and communities at large.”
Similarly, Fatima Almustapha from Sheka Gidan Gabas area of Kumbotso LGA said, “This should be written in the history books of Kano. Women did what many men failed to do. Abba should remember this and act accordingly. All we want is peace and prosperous life for ourselves and our children.”
Also, Hajiya Saratu, 70, who voted at Darmanawa ward in Tarauni LGA, told Daily Trust that she voted against the ruling party because she was not happy with the way things were going in the state.
On its part, the Abuja chapter of the Kano Youth Organisation (KAYOAB) has congratulated the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Abba Kabir Yusuf, on his victory in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
The president of the organisation in a congratulatory statement yesterday in Abuja, signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO 1), Alhassan A. Bala, said, “The KAYOAB wishes you (Abba Gida-Gida) success as you take up the challenges that await you in your exalted office.
“We look forward to working with you and assure you of our commitment to provide support. We wish you God’s guidance, strength, direction and wisdom to deliver on your mandate to your people.”
Meanwhile, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has congratulated its candidate, Engr. Yusuf, on his victory at the polls.
A statement yesterday by the party’s national publicity secretary, Dr Agbo Major, described the outcome as “a well-deserved victory for a new Nigeria which the party represents.”
By Rahima Shehu Dokaji, Sani Ibrahim Paki (Kano), Saawua Terzungwe & Terkula Igidi (Abuja)
