Ganduje Reveals Strategy That Undid Gov. Yusuf in Kano Election Dispute

• APC National Chairman Ganduje discloses the party’s strategy in challenging Governor Kabir Yusuf’s election, citing timing and INEC submission issues
• Ganduje attributes the electoral dispute to Kwankwaso’s oversight, joining NNPP after INEC closed nomination submissions, leading to legal setbacks

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has disclosed the approach used by his party to challenge Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, shedding light on the circumstances that led to the electoral dispute.

After the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Yusuf, who ran on the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) platform, the winner of the March 18 election, the APC rejected the result and pursued legal recourse.

The lower court annulled 165,663 votes for Yusuf, citing the absence of signatures or stamps by INEC. Consequently, the governor’s votes were reduced to 853,939, while Nasir Ganuwa, his APC rival, maintained 890,705 votes.

Despite an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Governor Yusuf and NNPP faced another setback, with the court affirming that Yusuf wasn’t a member of the party under which he contested.

Responding to the Court of Appeal’s decision, Ganduje revealed that the mistake stemmed from Kwankwaso’s desperation to become president, leading him to overlook that INEC had closed the nomination form submission when he joined NNPP.

Ganduje, the APC national chairman, highlighted the sequence of events, stating, “They left the PDP and, in their quest for a political platform, joined a party symbolizing fruits. They got tickets because their leader dreamed of becoming the president, but he miscalculated.”

He continued, “Desperate for a governorship position in Kano, they received a ticket from the party. However, they made a serious blunder. When they joined the party, INEC had already closed the submission of nomination forms. They were unaware and inattentive. Without careful observation, they entered the arena.”

Ganduje emphasized that the APC was aware of this misstep and strategically waited for the opportune moment to present their case. In filing a petition at the Kano governorship election tribunal, they argued that the candidates were not officially fielded by the party. They highlighted the timing issue with INEC’s candidate name submission.

Addressing party supporters, Ganduje recounted the events unfolding, showcasing how the party’s vigilance and timing played a crucial role in the legal dispute.