The judiciary stands as the last bastion of hope for the common man, where the belief in justice being served irrespective of power or background remains unshaken. However, recent events in Kano have cast a dark shadow over this belief, particularly in the context of the Kano election judgment.
From the tribunal court’s ruling onward, a series of misapplications of laws unfolded, culminating in a decision that subtracted a staggering 165,000 votes from the NNPP candidate. This subtraction was based on non-compliance, citing guidelines in the election manual, which contradicts the provisions of the electoral act. Shockingly, the alleged 165,000 unsigned/unstamped/undated ballots presented before the tribunal turned out to be nothing more than photocopies of random ballot papers, numbering no more than 10,000. The tribunal itself manufactured the rest of the numbers to favor the ruling party, APC. This raises serious concerns about the integrity of the judgment.
Seeking justice, the NNPP and its candidate appealed, only to face a judgment from the Court of Appeal that exacerbated the situation. The focus shifted to the membership of the NNPP candidate and the Executive Governor of Kano State, deviating from established precedents that declare such issues as non-justiciable and matters to be resolved within the party or the federal high court.
Recent similar cases in Ebonyi, Benue, and Cross Rivers, where the courts adhered to the trite position of the law, only serve to underscore the irregularity in the Kano judgment.
The certified true copy of the appeal judgment document further highlights serious discrepancies, as the court affirmed the victory of Abba Kabir Yusuf while simultaneously dismissing his appeal—a clear indication of a compromised judgment. Public, professional, and expert opinions have collectively damaged the reputation of the Nigerian judicial system, resulting in the loss of confidence among the masses. Allegations of political interference and compromised judiciary integrity persist, supported by correctable errors in the judgment records.
In this tumultuous situation, the only remaining chance for the judiciary to restore confidence is at the apex court. Whether justice will prevail in Kano lies in the hands of Supreme Court judges, and their decision will determine the fate of democracy and justice in the eyes of the believers not only in Kano but in the whole country. The judiciary faces a crucial moment—one that demands transparency, rectification of errors, and an unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of justice.
Najibullahi Danjuma wrote this Piece from Kano
