In the wake of a recent verdict by the election petitions tribunal, Kano State finds itself under a 24-hour curfew.
This ruling stems from the tribunal's decision to remove Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from office, instigating a surge of uncertainty and concern.
Yesterday, the Justice Oluyemi Osadabey-led panel announced Nasir Gawuna, the All-Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the victor of the March 18 gubernatorial poll. This declaration contradicted the earlier pronouncement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had named Yusuf, representing the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), as the winner.
Despite Gawuna's congratulatory message to his opponent, the APC pursued legal action. The tribunal's verdict hinged on the determination that some of the votes attributed to Yusuf were deemed invalid. Following the recalibration of votes, Gawuna emerged as the triumphant candidate with 897,000 votes, while Yusuf garnered 850,000.
Consequently, the panel instructed INEC to revoke the original Certificate of Return to Yusuf and transfer it to Gawuna, solidifying his status as the legitimate election winner. All three components of the petition were resolved in favour of the APC.
The ruling sent shockwaves through the Kano metropolis, prompting a flurry of activity as traders swiftly secured their shops in major markets, apprehensive of potential incidents of looting, vandalism, and arson.
Addressing the public in a televised statement, Commissioner of Police Muhammad Gumel affirmed that a collaborative force of security personnel has been deployed across the city to enforce the curfew and maintain order in these developments.
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