Breaking: Protesters flood streets of Kano over appeal court’s sacking of gov Yusuf

Demonstrators have taken to the streets of Kano in response to the removal of Governor Abba Yusuf by the Appeal Court.

The appellate court recently affirmed the tribunal's decision, headed by Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay, which ousted Yusuf on September 20, 2023. The police tried to repel the protesters, but they stood their ground.

The lower court invalidated 165,663 votes for Yusuf of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), citing a lack of signatures or stamps from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Consequently, Yusuf's vote count was reduced to 853,939, while his All Progressives Congress (APC) rival, Nasir Ganuwa, retained 890,705 votes. Dissatisfied with the tribunal's ruling, Yusuf characterized it as "unfair" and a "miscarriage of justice," prompting him to appeal the decision.

Police unable to restore normalcy

The appeal court, however, ruled in favour of his opponent, leading to heightened tension in Kano.

Despite efforts by security forces to thwart protests and maintain order, demonstrators took to the streets, expressing their discontent in Hausa slogans such as "We will not accept it," "We will not allow it," "Kano belongs to Abba," and "Our mandate must be restored", Daily Trust reported.

In response to the unrest, the police have cautioned Kano residents against participating in public processions or protests, particularly in light of the Appeal Court's judgment.