Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has called on the Federal Government and the judiciary to maintain neutrality in the ongoing local government elections in the state.
The governor made this appeal after casting his vote in his home area, Chiranci Ward in Gwale.
Governor Yusuf commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law but expressed concerns regarding recent actions by the Federal High Court in Kano, according to NaijaNews.
He suggested that the court may be under pressure to act against the public’s interest.
He further emphasized that his administration would not tolerate intimidation, asserting, Kano is known for its peaceful and law-abiding citizens.
Alhaji Aliyu Suleiman, chairman of the Association of State Independent Electoral Commissions and Sokoto State’s electoral commission, reported that the election process was peaceful and saw strong voter turnout.
The elections took place in 484 wards across Kano, with the New Nigeria People’s Party expected to secure a victory in what has been a largely uncontested race. Major opposition parties, including the All Progressives Congress , the Peoples Democratic Party , and the People’s Redemption Party , withdrew from the race shortly before voting began.
Although a court had initially placed restrictions on the election, a state high court allowed the process to proceed just hours before voting commenced.
“We respect the judiciary as the last hope for the common man,” Yusuf said. “However, when the judiciary allows itself to be influenced and becomes biased, it threatens peace. I urge the judiciary not to be used in any way that might undermine the will of the people.”
Governor Yusuf said that his administration would not tolerate intimidation. “Kano is known for its peaceful and law-abiding citizens. But we will not allow anyone to push us beyond our limits,” he stated.
