Kano Tribunal: INEC Makes U Turn, Withdraws Appeal On Abba Yusuf’s Sack

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made a U-turn and withdrawn from the move to appeal the sack of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Naija News recalls that the Kano State Governorship Election Tribunal had nullified the declaration of Abba Yusuf by the electoral umpire at the March 18 polls in the state.

The tribunal had also declared the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, election winner and had directed the Commission to issue him a Certificate of Return.

Reacting to Abba Yusuf’s sack by the tribunal, the INEC, in a letter addressed to the Secretary of Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, said it has no reason to appeal its judgement.

The letter was signed by the Head of Department (HOD), Legal, INEC, Suleiman Alkali, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).

The electoral umpire said in the letter that it had received orders from its national office to withdraw the appeal and all processes involved.

The letter said, “I have been instructed by the Commission headquarters that INEC as an umpire have no reason to appeal any Judgement.

“Consequently, the National Commissioner in charge of Legal Services and National Commissioner in charge of Kano zone are directed that the Appeal be withdrawn, and all processes for all Appeals should be forwarded to the Kano Office.”

See a copy of the letter as sighted by PM News below.

Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf has filed a 42-ground appeal before the Appeal Court sitting in Kano, requesting for the nullification of the Tribunal judgement.

He has engaged the services of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun, to reclaim his “victory.”

In the Notice of Appeal on Friday, Olanipekun is leading Bode Olanipekun (SAN), Ibrahim G. Waru, and Akintola Makinde, with Wole Olanipekun & Co. as the Legal Firm handling Governor Yusuf’s case at the Appellate Court.

However, Chief E.O.B. Offiong (APC) remains the Counsel for the APC.