Supreme Court ruled on Friday, in favour of the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, as the valid winner of the governorship election held on March 18, 2023.
The five-member panel of justices of the Supreme Court led by Justice Inyang Okoro delivered the unanimous judgment in Abuja.
Justice Okoro-led panel reversed the verdict of the appellate court which declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Okoro gave two reasons that favoured Governor Yusuf, the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The ruling has a direct impact on some key political players in Kano, who are considered as the biggest beneficiaries.
KWANKWASO
Kwakwanso not only has influence on Yusuf, but he also wields influence in Kano state as a former governor, ex-minister, and presidential candidate of the NNPP.
He is at loggerheads with the APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje over the soul of the state. They are rivals, and he would be among the happiest people in Kano for the Supreme Court ruling.
It was obvious that he was losing the state when the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but it can be stated that he has regained the reins of the state with the apex court’s ruling.
Kwakwanso, the founder of the Kwakwasiyya Movement, is still eyeing the most coveted political seat in Nigeria in 2027, and being in control of Kano which boasts of massive votes is one of his advantages to pay off for him.
MUHUYI MAGAJI
The Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Graft Commission, PCACC, Muhuyi Magaji, fell out with the former governor and APC chair, Ganduje, but was embraced by Governor Yusuf.
Magaji was accused by The Code of Conduct Bureau, CBB, arraigned in November 2023, for an alleged scandal of N390 million. Meanwhile, as the rift between Ganduje and Magaji deepened last year, the Federal High Court ruled that the latter should be recognised as the PCACC.
With his case ongoing, Magaji would most definitely prevail over his circumstances with the victory of his benefactor, Governor Yusuf in power, supporting and guaranteeing him a political shield.
ABDULMUMIN JIBRIN
Another big winner of the ruling is the member of the House of Representatives for Kiru/Bebeji Constituency of Kano State, Abdulmumin Jibrin. Jibin has always declared his unflinching support to the NNPP, Kwakwanso, and Yusuf, as far as Kano politics is concerned. And, the appellate court verdict against Yusuf destabilised him last year.
One of the key moments for Jibrin was his prayer at the presentation of the 2024 Budget by President Bola Tinubu to the joint National Assembly, where he prayed for protection for his party, NNPP.
Jibrin has congratulated Yusuf on his victory on Friday, posting on his X account, “Congratulations my Governor!”
RUFAI HANGA
Lawmaker representing Kano Central, Rufai Hanga under the NNPP, got his mandate when former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau left the party in the buildup to the 2023 elections.
Since then, he has been one of the strong voices championing the course of NNPP at the National Assembly. In a recent interview with the Daily Trust, Hanga said the 2023 presidential elections were compromised and held the view that Kwakwanso was better than the major presidential candidates on the ballot.
He definitely can advance his political career with the support of the governor, and remains a beneficiary of the ruling. Should he decide to seek reelection, NNPP retaining control of Kano would lessen his troubles in that regard.
Who are the other winners that you know? You can drop their names in the comment section.
