Former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has described his impeachment by the state House of Assembly as illegal.

Earlier, the state House of Assembly impeached the embattled state deputy governor following the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state Chief Judge to probe allegations of misconduct against him.

He was probed on allegations of perjury and leaking of government secrets by a panel headed by Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.) which ended its sitting on Friday after Shaibu failed to appear.

Shaibu said the impeachment was due to his ambition to become the state governor.

He, however, noted that the impeachment did not follow due process.

He made his position known in a video shared on his social media handles, on Monday.

He said, “My good people of Edo State, I thank you all for standing by me in these troubling circumstances as the deputy governor of Edo State.

“It is with a heavy heart, yet a resolute spirit, that I come before you to address the recent events that are unfolding in our dear state. I denounce in the strongest term the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly over baseless charges.”

He added that his impeachment was an attack on democracy and a show of dictatorship.

“This is not just an attack on me as an individual but on the democracy that we hold dear.

“It is a dangerous descend into dictatorship and a threat to the foundation of our democracy. Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the Edo State 2024 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. An ambition that is a legal right to all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is a sad reality that in our political landscape, ambition is met with resistance. Those in power seek to silence opposition through illegitimate means. I have devoted my life to serving the good people of Edo state with integrity and honesty. I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens. I have upheld the values of democracy and justice and yet in return, I am faced with baseless accusations and a blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law,” he said.

Speaking further, Shaibu described the allegations levelled against him as a move to conceal the real motive behind his impeachment.

He said, “The allegations brought against me are nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment. It’s a flagrant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.

“We refuse to stay inactive while our democratic institutions manipulate and exploit for personal gain. We will fight this injustice with every atom of strength in our veins for the sake of the people of Edo State and the future of democracy. I call upon all well-meaning citizens of Edo and indeed all Nigerians who believe in the principle of democracy and justice to stand with us in this moment of crisis.

“We cannot allow tyranny operation to take root in our society, we must resist the forces that seek to undermine our freedom and trample upon our rights.”

He, however, appealed to the judiciary to ensure justice prevails, saying, “To the members of the Edo State House of Assembly who have chosen to forsake their oath of office and partake in this charade, I say this, history will judge harshly for your betrayal of the people who elected you to represent their interests. But know this, you do not have the power to silence the voice of justice and truth.

“I call upon the judiciary and all relevant authorities to intervene and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. Let the truth prevail over lies. Let the rule of law triumph over lawlessness. I am confident that the legal system will vindicate me and expose the sham that has been orchestrated against me.”

He added that his impeachment would not deter him from fighting for the rights and freedom of Nigerians.

“I want to reaffirm my commitment to the people of Edo State to the values that bind us together as a collective. I will not be deterred or intimidated by those who seek to subvert our democracy. I will continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of Edolites by extension Nigerians that suffer oppression. I will stand firm in my resolve to seek justice.

“As we stand united in the face of tyranny and oppression, I urge all to remain calm and go about our lawful duties as good citizens and true democrats. Together, we will overcome this chapter in our history and emerge stronger and more resolute in our pursuit of freedom and justice in our society,” he added.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2024-04-09

The Supreme Court of Justice sitting in Abuja on Friday upheld the victory of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun in the 2023 governorship election.

The apex court made this ruling after it dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Adebutu Oladipupo, challenging the election that produced Abiodun as the state governor.

In November 2023, the Court of Appeal in Lagos affirmed the victory of Abiodun.

The appellate court, in a split decision also dismissed the petition filed by Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate in the election.

The majority decision was delivered by Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh.

The Ogun governorship election petition tribunal upheld Abiodun's victory in September 2023.

In a unanimous ruling, the tribunal led by Hamidu Kunaza ruled that Adebutu's petition was "incompetent, defective, and lacking in merits."

There has been jubilations in the camp of the Governor Abiodun,over the verdict.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2024-01-19

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a thorough investigation into the indictment of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, in the transfer of N585.189 million grant meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states into a private account.

The president also promised to ensure that any breaches and infractions identified in the course of investigation are decisively punished.

A viral document signed by Edu and directed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation revealed that the minister directed the disbursement of N585.189 million into one Bridget Mojisola Oniyelu’s private account.

The leaked document revealed that the money was paid into Oniyelu’s account.But Edu’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Zubair, had in a statement on Friday said the payment followed due process.Also, the minister in defiance maintained the efforts to embarras her by detractors will not work.

Following,the alleged misappropriation, civil society organisations and activists have been calling for the sack,of the Minister.

In a statement on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government was aware of concerns raised by the public on the alleged fraud.

He said President Tinubu had directed that a comprehensive investigation be carried out into the matter and appropriate punishment meted out.

“The Ministry of Information and National Orientation acknowledges the concerns raised by the public regarding the alleged payment of funds into a private account by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. We are aware of the narratives circulating widely and wish to assure Nigerians that the Government takes these issues most seriously.

“The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is transparent and accountable to the people, and committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated and utilized effectively and efficiently to address the needs of Nigerians.

“In light of recent events, the President has directed that a thorough and comprehensive investigation be conducted to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details.

The government is determined to unravel the truth as it relates to this matter, and assures that appropriate action will be taken to ensure that any breaches and infractions are identified and decisively punished, in line with the Administration’s commitment to public accountability and due process,” the statement read in part.

The minister advised the public to shun unverified narratives as regards the matter and rely on the information from the ministry.

“Only accurate details will be shared with the public. The Ministry is committed to providing timely updates to keep Nigerians informed about the progress of the investigation.

“We urge Nigerians to exercise patience as the investigation unfolds. The government is focused on ensuring a fair and unbiased process, and the findings will be communicated duly and transparently to the public,” he added.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2024-01-08

President Bola Tinubu has directed the opening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger.

He also directed the lifting of other sanctions against the country with immediate effect.

“President Tinubu has also approved the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea,” read a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

The statement is titled ‘Nigeria opens land and air borders with Republic of Niger, lifts other sanctions.’

Tinubu’s directive comes just days after the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government lifted economic and travel sanctions on Niger, Mali, and Guinea at its extraordinary summit on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.

ECOWAS leaders had agreed to lift economic sanctions against the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

Consequently, the President has directed that the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger be lifted immediately:

“Closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic, as well as ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger Republic.

“Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Nigeria and Niger, as well as a freeze of all service transactions, including utility services and electricity to the Niger Republic.

“Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks and freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger, state enterprises, and parastatals in commercial banks.

“Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly EBID and BOAD.

“Travel bans on government officials and their family members,” the statement read.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2024-03-13

My Good People of Oyo State

The last 20 hours have seen our dear State thrown into mourning as we lost lives and properties in a blast that occurred at Bodija, Ibadan. As I stated in a brief release yesterday, preliminary investigations have traced this blast to the storage of explosives by illegal miners at a house on Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija.

Since yesterday, our security agencies, first responders, emergency services, and all other relevant agencies have been working diligently as they carry out search and rescue operations. Just this morning, another person was recovered alive from the rubble. I want to assure you that search and rescue operations will continue until all lives within the vicinity of the blast are accounted for.

We are aware that aside from the immediate perimeter of this incident, people as far as 25 km away may have been affected physically or psychologically. We have, therefore, set up an Emergency Operations Centre headed by Prof Temitope Alonge to coordinate all search and rescue efforts.

I would like to appeal to our people to remain calm as we do everything possible to provide succour to everyone concerned. Please reach out to the Emergency Operations Centre on 07049948057 and 08147672009 if you have any information regarding any persons who may still be trapped within the perimeter.

Also, let me use this opportunity to appeal to anyone still staying in any of the houses within 250 metres of ground zero to move out to government-provided accommodation until we check the structural integrity of the buildings in this area. At the same time, unscrupulous elements who may want to take advantage of this disaster to carry out any form of looting should be warned. All security agencies have been placed on high alert to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.

We will continue to provide regular updates regarding the actions we are taking through the Emergency Operations Centre and our various feedback channels on and off social media. The further update we can provide at this time is that we have information regarding the company that was using that residence to store explosives. Rest assured that all that were involved, directly and indirectly, in bringing this tragedy upon us will be brought to book.

This is a trying time for us all. But it is at such times like this that we draw on our strength and resilience to be our brothers’ keepers and refrain from spreading fake news and disinformation that could potentially cause panic within the populace.

Once again, I urge all to remain calm as the authorities are on top of the situation.

Thank you and God bless you.

Seyi Makinde

17 January 2024

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2024-01-18

Sadly,the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has passed on.

Governor Akeredolu reportedly died at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday at a German hospital where he was receiving treatment.

He died of leukemia and prostate cancer, two ailments that had made him go in and out of hospitals for some time.He was 67years old

Although,the state government has yet to speak on the matter,however, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state said arrangements were being concluded to swear in his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa,as Governor.

If you recall.Late Aketi,as he fondly called, went on medical vacation on April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023. At that time, he handed over to the deputy governor. He returned to the country on September 7 and wrote the state House of Assembly informing the lawmakers.

Although the governor returned from a medical leave in Germany in September, he was not sighted in Ondo State as he was reported to be staying in his private residence in Ibadan.

His absence created a leadership vacuum in the state and the executive council was divided into two factions consisting of those loyal to the governor and loyalists of the deputy governor.

The governor in September sacked all the media aides attached to the office of the deputy governor. An insider source said the aides were sacked as a result of insubordination and flagrance disregard to the appropriate authority.The disagreement got the head,when the Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly,loyal to Akeredolu,moved an impeachment notice on the Ayedatiwa,it was the intervention of President Tinubu,that managed the political impasse.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2023-12-27

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dissolved the State Executive Council,with immediate effect.

The governor also relieved all Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants of their duties.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary,  Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday, the governor said the development would take immediate effect.

The statement read, “All members of the cabinet are to immediately hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior administrative officers in their respective offices.

“All the affected officials are directed to hand over all government properties in their possession.

“The governor thanks the affected officials for their services and contributions to the development of the state.”

Aiyedatiwa was on December 27, 2023, sworn in as the substantive governor of the state following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Akeredolu, aged 67, passed away while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in a German hospital.

Before his death, Akeredolu had transferred power to Aiyedatiwa via a letter to the state House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, when he was to proceed on medical leave in Germany.

The development followed the intervention of President Tinubu who intervened in the crisis that resulted from the failure of Akeredolu to hand over to his deputy after he returned to the country from Germany in September.

Although Akeredolu returned to Nigeria in the first week of September after a three-month medical leave, he was operating from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The state House of Assembly had commenced an impeachment process against the deputy governor over allegations of gross misconduct. This led to a division in the state assembly and the state executive council as well as the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress.

In a bid to resolve the crisis, Tinubu met with the leadership of the assembly and the state APC at the State House, Abuja, last month, where it was decided that Aiyedatiwa should take over as the acting governor.

Shortly before the swearing-in of Aiyedatiwa, the Special Adviser to Akeredolu on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaye and the Chief Press Secretary Mr Richard Olatunde, resigned from office.

In the letters of resignation signed by the duo, addressed to the office of the Secretary to the State Government, the aides cited the demise of the governor as the reason for their action. The letters came in, some hours after the death of Akeredolu.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2024-01-24

President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect.

The suspension was revealed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

He said it was in line with Tinubu’s avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians.

The statement said, “The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.

“The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

“And she is further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation.

“Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes to conclusively reform the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.

“These directives of the President take immediate effect.”

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2024-01-08

After the several weeks of tense,in the Ondo State political landscape,Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State,as finally transfered power to his deputy,Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa,in acting capacity.

The Chief Press Secretary to Akeredolu, who disclosed this in a statement signed by him, said the this was because the ailing Governor,will commence his medical his medical leave on Wednesday,December 13,2023,as a follow-up to his on going medical treatment.He reiterated,that  vacation would give the governor the opportunity to prioritize his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties.

He mentioned that a formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution would be transmitted to the House of Assembly.

In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in an acting capacity.

He stated, “Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.

“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations.

“This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations.”.If you recall,there has been a festering imbroglio,between the ailing Governor and his deputy,since he returned from Germany,barely four months ago.It got the head weeks back,that it led to an impeachment move against the deputy by the State's Assembly members loyal to the Governor.It escalated the extent that,it was the intervention of  President Tinubu,that simmered the political impasse.

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Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2023-12-12

The Speaker of the Ogun House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo has been impeached by 18  lawmakers out of 26 member assembly, during plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Bolanle Ajayi.

The Assembly equally elected Mr. Oludaisi Elemide, who is currently representing Odeda State Constituency at the Assembly, as the new Speaker.

Adegoke Adeyanju, an APC lawmaker, representing Yewa North 1 State Constituency moved the motion for Oluomo’s impeachment, while it was seconded by another APC lawmaker, Ademola Adeniran, who is representing Sagamu II State Constituency.

It was also gathered that Adeyanju had entered the Assembly chamber with the Maze in company of other lawmakers.

Speaking to newsmen after his election as the new Speaker, Elemide explained that the people of the state should expect the best from him.

He said, “we are law abiding legislators. We want the world to know that there has been changed in leadership.

“18 members signed for me to be the Speaker. People should remain calm. We are in custody of all the authority of the House. We are saying that the new leadership will support the governor.

He clarified that Governor Dapo Abiodun knows nothing about the impeachment.

“The Speaker was impeached due to gross misconduct which bothers on high handedness, lack of focus and transparency, arrogance and poor leadership style, financial misappropriation and inciting members against themselves,” he said.

The Clerk and the Deputy Clerk, Mr Deji Adeyemo and Mrs Funmilayo Adeyemi were also at the plenary.

Security personnel, including the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were in large numbers at the Assembly complex.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2024-01-23

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to meet with interrogators over an ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered during her tenure in office, through a contractor, James Okwete.

Our correspondent confirmed the arrival of the ex-minister at about 10 am on Monday.

Meanwhile, at about 10:20 am, the former minister tweeted about her presence at the EFCC headquarters.

“I have, at my behest, arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to honour the invitation by the anti-graft agency to offer clarifications in respect of some issues that the commission is investigating,” Umar-Farouq tweeted on Monday morning.

Citing health challenges, the former Minister had earlier officially written to the EFCC, seeking an extension of the deadline to meet with EFCC interrogators over an ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered during her tenure in office through a contractor, Okwete.

The PUNCH exclusively reported that Umar-Farouq faced arrest by operatives of the EFCC after failing to appear before interrogators at the EFCC Headquarters on Wednesday.

The former minister was asked to appear before investigators at the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at about 10:00 a.m. to give an account of the alleged monumental fraud that took place under her watch, a document exclusively seen by our correspondent on Saturday revealed.

Reacting to the development in an exclusive telephone interview with our correspondent on Thursday, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, said Umar had sent a legal representative to the commission and had written to the commission seeking to be given more time to honour the invitation while citing health challenges.

Oyewale said, “The former Humanitarian Minister didn’t appear before the commission yesterday, but she sent in a letter pleading for more time and also explaining that she has some health challenges and that was why she couldn’t honour the invitation. She also sent in her lawyer to meet with interrogators.

“However, the commission has mandated her to submit herself to the commission without further delay. We are still tracing all the transactions, hence we cannot put a figure to everything now as investigation is still ongoing.”

If you recall,Umar-Farouq kept interrogators waiting for over eight hours on Wednesday without an official communication to the commission as to why she didn’t honour the invitation.

Meanwhile, an impeccable senior anti-graft source revealed that Umar-Farouq might be arrested by operatives of the EFCC within the week if she fails to voluntarily appear before investigators at the EFCC’s headquarters as officially requested by the commission.

“Hajia Sadiya didn’t show up at our office today for interrogation. In fact she kept interrogatories waiting for hours. Meanwhile, our operatives may arrest her this week and bring her in for questioning if she fails to show up tomorrow,” the source revealed.

The EFCC invited the former minister to come to answer questions concerning an ongoing investigation into an alleged ₦37.1bn fraud uncovered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

The document partly read, “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during your time as Minister.

“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday 3rd, January, 2024. 10:00 am. This request is made pursuant to section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 & section 21 of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”

The PUNCH had earlier reported that the EFCC arrested a contractor, James Okwete, in connection with the ongoing probe into the N37.1bn allegedly laundered by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development under the former Minister, Umar-Farouq.

A top EFCC official, who confided in our correspondent on Sunday, said the contractor had made useful statements concerning Umar-Farouq and former directors-general of the ministry.

The development coincides with the probe of three other ministers, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, for graft estimated at N150bn.

“It is not only Umar-Farouq we are investigating. Three other former ministers are also under probe. They were allegedly involved in graft to the tune of N150bn,’’ a credible source in the EFCC had confided in our correspondent.

Sources further revealed that Umar-Farouq and some former agencies’ directors-general under the ministry might be arrested by the anti-graft commission following the details of the financial misappropriation so far revealed to investigators by the contractor.

Investigation revealed that the N37.1bn was transferred from the Federal Government’s coffers and sent to 38 different bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks belonging to or connected with Okwete.

Impeccable sources had earlier confirmed to The PUNCH that Okwete, who is still being held at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, had been cooperating with investigators.

A source said, “The contractor, Mr Okwete, who was used in laundering the money had been arrested by the commission. He is currently detained in our custody and has been giving investigators more details that have indicted the former Minister, Sadiya and some DGs under the ministry, and they may be brought in anytime soon too.”

The PUNCH reports that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs currently serves as the parent ministry to eight agencies, including the National Social Investment Office, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internationally Displaced Persons, among others.

Umar-Farouq was the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

She was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019 as the youngest cabinet member.

Her work with Buhari dates back to his days as the leader and presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change when she was the national treasurer of the party and later the national treasurer of the All Progressives Congress.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2024-01-08

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Friday, nullified the election of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State.
The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of justices, held that Governor Yusuf was not a valid candidate in the gubernatorial election that was held in the state on March 18.

It maintained that evidence that was adduced by the parties established that Governor Yusuf was not a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, at the time the election was held.

According to the court, Yusuf, under section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not qualified to contest the governorship election since he was not validly sponsored by the NNPP. 

“A person must be a member of a political party before he can be sponsored for an election.

“Sponsorship without membership is like putting something on nothing,” the court held in its lead judgement that was delivered by Justice M. U. Adumeh.

Consequently, the appellate court upheld the earlier judgement of the Kano state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which nullified Governor Yusuf’s election.

It will be recalled that the tribunal had in a virtual judgement it delivered on September 20, sacked governor Yusuf of the NNPP, from office and declared Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressive Congress, APC, as the valid winner of the governorship poll held in the state on March 18.

The three-member panel tribunal, led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay, held that some ballot papers that were relied upon to declare Yusuf as the winner of the gubernatorial contest, were neither signed nor stamped by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

It proceeded to declare 165,663 of the votes that were credited to the NNPP candidate as invalid.

Following the deduction of the said invalid votes, Yusuf, who was initially declared winner of the governorship poll with a total of 1,019,602 votes, had his tally reduced to 853, 939 votes.

With the development, his closest rival and candidate of the APC, Ganuwa, emerged as the winner of the election with 890,705 votes.

By

Ayobami Adedeji Politics 2023-11-17