Kano APC Crisis: Supreme Court reserves judgement

By Muhammed Yakubu On Apr 7, 2022

(R-L) Abdullahi Ganduje, Shaaban Sharada and Ibrahim Shekarau

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved judgement in the Kano All Progressive Congress APC crisis suit.

Solacebase reports that the appellants in the suit are Musa Muhammad Chola and 1,319 others and the respondents are All Progressive Congress (APC) , Mai Mala Buni, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, Olayide Adewale Akinremi, Senator Abba Ali, Dr. Tony Macfoy, Barr. Auwalu Abdullahi, Usman Musa Kaita, Adebayo Iyaniwura and INEC.

Recalls that a High Court of Federal Capital Territory , Abuja on November 30^th 2021 had declared the wards congress held by the Gov. Abdullahji Ganduje faction of the All Progressive Congress (APC).in Kano, Illegal , null and void.

Similarly, on December, 17^th, the court presided by Justice Hamza Muazu upheld the local government congresses conducted by the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau faction.

Dissatisfied with the rulings, the Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje faction filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal that nullified the lower court judgment which gave Senator Ibrahim Shekarau’s G-7 faction of the APC victory , on February 17^th 2022.

On Thursday, the five man panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Mary Peter Odili adjourned and reserved judgement after adoption of the briefs of all the parties in the appeal.

A preliminary objection was raised by the Counsel to the first, second and third respondents, All Progressive Congress, Mai Mala Buni and John James Akpanudoedehe, respectively, Barr. Abdul Adamu Fagge challenging the hearing of the appeal on the ground that one of the prayers of the appellants has to do with the national delegates to the convention of the party a situation whereby event has overtaken the situation since the convention has been held, hence the exercise has become academic.

However, Counsel to the appellants, Barr. Nuraini Jimoh, SAN, said the appeal is challenging the judgement of the Court of Appeal delivered 73 days after filing, contrary to section 285(12) of the constitution that stated that judgement should be delivered within 60 days in pre- election matters.

The apex court said the date for the judgement would be communicated to parties in the appeal.