NNPP Appeals to UN and ECOWAS Over Controversial Kano Governorship Decision 

In a significant political development, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has reached out to international organizations including the United Nations (UN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), seeking intervention over the controversial decision regarding the Kano Governorship. 

This move comes in the wake of the Appeal Court’s judgment that upheld the dismissal of Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, a decision that has sparked considerable debate and concern.

On Wednesday, the NNPP organized a peaceful demonstration at the offices of several international bodies, including the British High Commission, the European Union, the Canadian Embassy, and the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja. During these protests, the National Auditor of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, representing the acting National Chairman, Abba Ali, presented a petition at the EU Secretariat. 

In his address, Johnson voiced the party’s alarm over what they perceive as an attempt to subvert the will of the majority of Kano’s electorate who voted for Yusuf on March 18, 2023.

Johnson emphasized the potential political, economic, and social consequences of this perceived hijacking of the people’s mandate in Kano, noting the growing humanitarian concerns. He highlighted the apparent “clandestine moves” to undermine the choice of the Kano State people regarding their governor, stressing the importance of respecting the democratic process.

In their appeal to the UN, ECOWAS, and other international bodies, the NNPP urged them to counsel the Nigerian judiciary, specifically the Supreme Court, in the matter of the Kano State governorship seat. Johnson expressed concern over the rising tension in Kano, describing the city’s atmosphere as one of anger, shock, and agony, permeating conversations in streets, offices, and homes.

Agnieszka Oliveira, Head of the Delegation Mission at the EU Embassy, received the NNPP’s petition. Oliveira acknowledged the party’s peaceful approach in expressing their political grievances and assured that the EU would closely follow the case. She recalled observing the elections in Kano and witnessing the enthusiasm of the voters there, promising to convey the developments to the ambassador.