BREAKING: Protest hits Kano over Appeal Court judgment

Protesters have once again taken to the streets of Kano following the dismissal of Governor Abba Yusuf by the Appeal Court. Reports on Monday indicated widespread protests across the state, quelled by police intervention.

Chanting slogans in Hausa, the protesters voiced sentiments such as “We will not accept it,” “We will not allow it,” “Kano belongs to Abba,” “Our mandate must be restored,” and “Injustice exposed in CTC,” among others.

Despite attempts by security forces to disperse the crowd, the protesters stood firm, regrouping persistently. Two weeks prior, the Appeal Court upheld the tribunal’s decision led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay, which ousted Yusuf on September 20, 2023.

The tribunal had nullified 165,663 votes for Yusuf, contesting under the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), citing lack of signatures or stamps by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Governor’s votes were consequently reduced to 853,939, while his All Progressives Congress (APC) rival, Nasir Ganuwa, retained 890,705 votes.

Rejecting the tribunal’s decision as “unfair” and a “miscarriage of justice,” Yusuf appealed to the higher court, which also ruled in favor of his opponent. The police have cautioned Kano residents against engaging in public processions or protests, particularly in response to the Appeal Court’s judgment.

More details to follow shortly.