Preserving Democracy: A Plea to uphold justice in Kano- Dahiru Muhammad Hashim

By Dahiru Muhammad Hashim

In Nigeria, democracy stands at a critical juncture, and the very foundation of the nation’s governance is trembling under the weight of corruption. The judiciary, designed to be the guardian of justice, finds itself entangled in a web of deceit, threatening the essence of democracy.

The Kano gubernatorial election case serves as a stark reminder that the pillars of our democracy are in peril, with judges allegedly succumbing to the poison of bribery, political manipulation, and interference.

It is clear as day that the sanctity of the people’s mandate is being undermined by a sinister force. Governor Abba Kabir emerged victorious with over a million votes, a reflection of the will of the people.

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However, the electoral victory and the people’s mandate was overturned at the tribunal on a ground highly contestable in law and the appeal court similarly affirmed the decision of the tribunal on another ground that has been decided by the Supreme Court in this same electoral circle in a number of cases.

 The sacred courts, entrusted with the responsibility of upholding justice shocked the nation by overturning the legitimate victory of Governor Abba Kabir. Electoral malpractice and other dubious reasons were cited, painting a disheartening picture of a judiciary tainted by corruption. The Governor, undeterred in his pursuit of justice, has appealed to the Supreme Court, the last bastion of hope for a fair and impartial resolution.

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This appeal goes beyond the boundaries of Kano; it is a call to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the esteemed members of the Supreme Court, and the President of the nation. We implore you to rise above the murky waters of corruption, personal interest and ego that threaten to engulf the very essence of democracy. The people of Kano deserve justice, and the integrity of our democratic process demands an unwavering commitment to fairness.

The consequences of subverting the people’s mandate extend far beyond the borders of Kano. This state, with its diverse population, is a microcosm of Nigeria itself. Any threat to the peace and stability of Kano reverberates across the entire northern region, an area already scarred by the recent inhumane bombing of innocent lives in Tudun Biri of Kaduna state, other scars of religious riots and uprisings in Plateau state are still fresh in our memories. We stand on the precipice of anarchy and chaos, and it is the duty of those in positions of power to prevent the descent into darkness.

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Any attempt to upturn the people’s mandate threatens to disrupt the political landscape of Kano state and northern Nigeria. Sacking Governor Abba Kabir raises concerns over the perilous consequences of off-season polls.

Off-season elections, detached from the larger canvas of nationwide polls, carry inherent dangers that can destabilize the political equilibrium of a state like Kano. The most pressing issue is the absence of a large-scale national security operation, a critical element during general elections. The lack of such a comprehensive security apparatus opens the door to security breaches, voter intimidation, and violence, thereby discouraging voter participation and endangering the democratic process. The recent experiences of the people of Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states serve as cautionary tales.

There are concerns that this move could be a deliberate attempt to sow seeds of anarchy in Kano and the broader northern region. The implications of such a deliberate strategy are ominous, with the potential to plunge the region into chaos and undermine the democratic values that Nigeria holds dear. A striking juxtaposition arises when considering the hypothetical scenario in Lagos, the president’s home state. It is inconceivable to imagine a situation where off-season elections would be tolerated in Lagos, to the detriment of political stability and security.

It is imperative that the powers that be, including the Supreme Court and the president, consider the broader implications of their decisions on the political landscape and stability of the nation.  Justice delayed is justice denied. The people of Kano are watching, as the citizens of Nigeria, holding our collective breath for a judgment that will either restore faith in the democratic process or plunge the nation into further disarray.

The judiciary still has the chance to retain its dignity. Let the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court resound with the echoes of justice, undeterred by the whispers of corruption. Let this case be a turning point, a testament to the resilience of democracy in the face of adversity. For the sake of Kano, for the sake of the entire northern region, let justice prevail.

Hashim writes from Kano and can be reached via drdmuhd@gmail.com