Daud Olatunji
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken swift action to address and rectify a situation arising from an unauthorized letter, denying any withdrawal from the Kano State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal appeal process.
In a press release issued by INEC, the commission clarified its stance and reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its obligations in legal matters.
The controversy began when media reports circulated a letter allegedly written by the Legal Officer of INEC’s Kano State office, indicating a withdrawal from the appeal process in the ongoing Kano Governorship election petition case.
INEC swiftly responded to the situation, noting that the letter was not authorized, and it was subsequently withdrawn.
The officer responsible for the unauthorized letter also faced reprimand for the incident.
The case in question stems from the tribunal’s decision on September 20, which saw the removal of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate, from office.
The tribunal declared Nasiru Gawuna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner of the March 18 election. Governor Yusuf, however, expressed his intent to appeal the judgment, characterizing it as a “misapplication of the law.”
Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee for INEC, emphasized the commission’s unwavering commitment to its responsibilities when litigants involve INEC in a legal case.
He stated, “We wish to state categorically that where litigants join INEC in a case, the Commission is under obligation to respond accordingly.”
Furthermore, he confirmed that INEC’s legal team had been instructed to proceed in accordance with the established policies, which have not undergone any changes.
The public is advised to disregard any insinuations that INEC has withdrawn from the Kano Governorship election petition case or abandoned the appeal.
The commission remains steadfast in fulfilling its role within the legal process, ensuring a fair and transparent electoral system in Kano State.
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