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In a notable legal development, the Supreme Court has overturned the decisions of the Court of Appeal Abuja and the Kano State Election Tribunal, effectively reinstating Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf. Justice John Okoro, in the lead judgment, criticized the Court of Appeal for affirming the tribunal’s decision that Mr. Yusuf did not secure the majority of lawful votes in the governorship election. This verdict marks a crucial moment in Kano State politics, setting aside the earlier rulings that had raised questions about the legitimacy of Abba Yusuf’s election.
Simultaneously, the Supreme Court has affirmed the election victories of Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State. The apex court dismissed appeals filed against these governors by the Labour Party’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, PDP’s Olajide Adediran, and APC’s Sadique Ababakar, respectively, citing a lack of merit. These decisions by the Supreme Court solidify the electoral mandates of these governors, reinforcing the integrity of their victories and resolving legal challenges that could have cast uncertainties on their administrations.
The ruling regarding Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State is particularly significant as the Supreme Court set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal Abuja, which had declared the governorship election as inconclusive and ordered a re-run in three local government areas.
