By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The political landscape in Nigeria is heating up as the All Progressives Congress (APC) is accused of attempting to establish a one-party system, with a focus on Kano State.
L-R: The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, The Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, and the NNPP South West Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kilamuwaye Badmus Bako at interaction session on political affairs.
Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a key figure in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has claimed that Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is determined to remove Abba Yusuf as Kano State’s governor.
Yesterday, Monday, 20 November, the NNPP Chieftain, Ajadi, and the party’s South West Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kilamuwaye Badmus Bako, visited Governor Abba Yusuf in Kano. Ajadi assured him of victory at the Supreme Court following setbacks in the tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
The tribunal had invalidated a significant number of Yusuf’s votes, while the Court of Appeal based its decision on his disqualification as an NNPP candidate during the election.
Ajadi expressed concern over what he sees as the abuse of power by the APC-led federal government, accusing it of undermining democratic institutions and interfering with the judiciary.
He argued that the court has no right to determine NNPP membership and criticized the declaration of Nasiru Gawuna, an APC candidate, as the winner in Kano.
He insisted that the Supreme Court would overturn the Appeal Court judgment, emphasizing that political parties have autonomy over their affairs.
The NNPP Chieftain highlighted discrepancies in the APC’s arguments, pointing out that Yusuf’s name was on the NNPP membership register provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“In the past, under military rule, the judiciary was braver and more honest than it is now. Unfortunately, the current state of the Nigerian judiciary, especially under the APC, is criticized for being influenced by money, with instances of non-primary participants being declared as candidates and rightful election winners being removed for weak reasons,” he said.
He called for calm among the people of Kano, urging them not to be provoked by the opposition’s temporary victory.
In the midst of this political turmoil, Ajadi pledged the NNPP’s commitment to providing a credible opposition and defending democracy.
He warned against actions detrimental to the nation’s stability and unity, emphasizing the party’s determination to resist such influences.
As Kano awaits the Supreme Court’s decision, the political atmosphere remains tense, with the NNPP standing firm in its position against what it perceives as undemocratic acts by the APC government.
