The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, refuted claims on Monday that he had entered into an agreement with the presidency before the Supreme Court rendered a judgment validating his election. The apex court upheld Yusuf’s victory in the March 18, 2023, governorship election, despite prior nullifications by the state election petitions tribunal and the appeal court. These earlier decisions had declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Yusuf Gawuna, as the duly elected governor of the state.
In response to circulating documents suggesting a four-term agreement between the governor and the presidency, Governor Abba Yusuf, through his Director-General, Media and Publicity, Mr. Bature Dawakin-Tofa, dismissed the document as an imaginary piece devoid of any truth. He urged the public to disregard the fake agreement, which purportedly claimed that the governor had agreed to cross carpet to the APC and accept other terms outlined in the document.
The statement read: “Governor Yusuf would like to make it abundantly clear that having secured his mandate through popular votes of the good people of Kano, and certified by a fair affirmation of Supreme Court judgment, he would not be intimidated by any political opportunist.
“Let me also remind those political jobbers hiding under the leniency of Mr. President that whatever political decision or direction that would be taken in Kano will be determined within the confines of the rule of law and executive powers vested in the executive governor.
“The establishment of Kano Elders Council was a personal initiative of the governor to find lasting solutions to solvable problems affecting the state’s socio-economic and political well-being.”
Governor Yusuf stressed that he was not under pressure to form the council.
‘It is on record that the justices of the Supreme Court delivered a landmark Judgment with justice, equity, and fairness and largely protected the integrity of the judiciary,” the statement added.
He, however, thanked President Bola Tinubu for allowing the level playing ground for justice to prevail through non-interference with the judicial process.
He said the president had demonstrated profound leadership quality by ensuring fair play despite pressure “by some undemocratic elements from Kano and beyond.”
“The president is a true democrat who will not undermine other political parties in the interest of his party.
” However, the president should rather be appreciated for maintaining neutrality, peace, and stability in Kano.
“On this single act, the good people of Kano will continue to appreciate Mr. President and pray for him to succeed in his administration,” the statement concluded.