The Kano State government has declared a 24-hour curfew in the state following the sacking of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf by the state’s Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal. The tribunal declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir Gawuna, as the winner of the March 2023 governorship election in the state. This has led to heightened security in the Kano metropolis.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Gumel, confirmed the curfew order, which is in effect from 6 pm on Wednesday to 6 pm on Thursday. He warned that defaulters would be arrested and made to face the law.
The tribunal’s judgment invalidated Yusuf’s election as Kano State governor, ordered the withdrawal of his certificate of return, and directed that a new one be issued to Gawuna. The court ruled that 165,663 votes of the governor were invalid due to unsigned and unstamped ballot papers.
Governor Yusuf has rejected the tribunal’s judgment and vowed to appeal, describing it as unfair. The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), which initially won the election, also criticized the verdict and vowed to appeal.
The situation in Kano remains tense as residents await further developments and potential protests or demonstrations.