Justice Usman Mallam Na’abba of the Kano State High Court has taken action to nullify the suspension of former Governor of Kano State and presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso. The suspension had been initiated by the founding National Chairman of NNPP, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, and National Publicity Secretary, Major Agbo, along with 16 others.
In response to the suspension, Justice Na’abba has issued the following rulings:
- Restraint from Parading as National Officers: An interim injunction has been granted to prevent Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, Major Agbo, and the other respondents from presenting themselves as national officers, leaders, or members of the NNPP. This injunction will remain in place until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
- Nullification of Suspension: The court has also issued an interim injunction to set aside the purported suspension of Senator Kwankwaso as a member of NNPP. Furthermore, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is restrained from recognizing this suspension until the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.
The suspension of Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso had been imposed on him on August 29, 2023, by members of NNPP, led by Aniebonam and Agbo. They accused him of engaging in anti-party activities and financial impropriety, among other allegations. This court ruling effectively nullifies the suspension and maintains the status quo until further legal proceedings are held.
The court has scheduled October 5, 2023, for the hearing of the case, during which more comprehensive legal proceedings will take place.