Court Overturns NNPP Candidates’ Victory in Kano LG Polls, Endorses Rival Faction Opposing Abba Yusuf

In a significant development ahead of Kano’s local government polls, the Federal High Court in Kano has ruled to disqualify all chairmanship and councillorship candidates fielded by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) faction loyal to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf. The decision, handed down by presiding judge Simon Amobeda, mandates that the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) accept only the list of candidates submitted by Dalhatu Shehu Usman, leader of a rival faction within the NNPP. The ruling is expected to reshape the dynamics of Saturday’s elections, sparking controversy within Kano’s political landscape.

The lawsuit, filed by Muhammad Babayo and members of the NNPP, aimed to challenge the legitimacy of the Yusuf-backed NNPP candidates, asserting that only Usman’s faction held the legal authority to submit candidates. In his ruling, Judge Amobeda emphasized that any candidate list not submitted by Usman’s faction is invalid, thereby disqualifying the NNPP candidates endorsed by Governor Yusuf. This decision marks a crucial victory for the anti-Yusuf faction in a party that has seen intensifying internal strife in recent months.

KANSIEC Ordered to Recognize Usman’s NNPP Faction

As part of the court’s directive, KANSIEC has been instructed to recognize the candidate list exclusively submitted by Dalhatu Shehu Usman, citing compliance with the NNPP’s constitution. The ruling effectively bars KANSIEC from accepting any alternative list for the upcoming polls, putting the legitimacy of candidates backed by Yusuf into question. This legal stance has added to the pressure on KANSIEC, which has been grappling with multiple court rulings impacting its planned election administration.

Judge Amobeda also restricted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register to KANSIEC for the election, thereby challenging KANSIEC’s preparedness. Additionally, the court directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to abstain from providing security support for the election. This directive, aimed at upholding Usman’s faction, places KANSIEC in a difficult position as it struggles to conduct the elections amid conflicting orders from various courts.

Conflicting Court Orders Create Uncertainty Around Election

The Kano local government election faces escalating uncertainty as conflicting rulings emerge from multiple courts. On Tuesday, a federal high court order had already restrained KANSIEC Chairman Sani Malumfashi from overseeing the polls, citing concerns over his affiliation with the NNPP as a registered member. This court decision, initiated by All Progressives Congress (APC) member Aminu Tiga, argued that Malumfashi’s political connections might compromise the impartiality of the electoral process.

However, just days later, a Kano State High Court countermanded this federal directive, ruling that KANSIEC could proceed with the election. These conflicting judgments have generated significant confusion and added to the challenges for KANSIEC, as it attempts to comply with varying judicial mandates in a politically sensitive climate. With both federal and state judicial authorities weighing in, the election’s future remains uncertain, raising concerns among Kano’s electorate and political observers alike.

Internal NNPP Factions Deepen Crisis Amid Polls

The NNPP’s internal disputes are intensifying, as factions vie for control over the party in Kano. Governor Abba Yusuf’s faction, represented by Hashimu Dungurawa, is pitted against the anti-Yusuf faction led by Dalhatu Shehu Usman. This power struggle has exacerbated tensions within the party, with both factions claiming legitimacy over candidate selection for Kano’s local government elections. The court’s recent ruling in favor of Usman’s faction further highlights these internal divisions, potentially affecting the NNPP’s standing in the state.

Governor Yusuf has maintained that the elections will proceed as planned, despite the court rulings impacting his faction’s candidates. His stance has garnered criticism from rival party members and observers, who view the situation as a test of his influence within the NNPP and Kano’s broader political landscape. As the NNPP grapples with this internal crisis, the stability of Kano’s local government elections hangs in the balance, and the outcome of this factional dispute may shape the party’s future in the state.