The Kano chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Sunday denied a viral rumor that it conducted a covert meeting with President Bola Tinubu and the party’s leadership to influence the outcome of the New Nigerian People’s Party’s Supreme Court appeal.
The development comes two months after Kano APC candidate Nasir Gawuna was declared the winner of the contentious March 18 governorship poll, prompting Governor Abba Yusuf and the NNPP to vow to seek redress in the Supreme Court.
The Appeal Court panel, chaired by Justice M. A. Adumeh, ruled that Yusuf was not on his political party’s membership list.
Citing a provision of the electoral act, he said a party must have the names of its registered members both in hard and soft copies.
In a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, Kano APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas dismissed the rumour, saying it was the figment of the imagination of those peddling it.
“Nowhere has such a meeting been held with either Mr President or any leader of the party,” he said. President Bola Tinubu is a Democrat who believes passionately in the rule of law. As a result, he will not be a part of any arrangement or reconciliation to undermine justice and help persons who have stolen votes or violated the election act to become leaders.”
Continuing, Abbas stated that the party was not aware of such an arrangement and would rather concentrate efforts to bring its case to a logical end at the Supreme Court.
The Kano APC head stated that there is no tension in Kano and that the people are pleased with the outcome of the tribunal and appellate court verdicts.
Despite periodic provocations from the ruling party, Abbas pledged that the party will continue to ensure cordial and peaceful relationships with ethnic groups and nationalities in the state.
