Politics
Kano APC Shares Uniform Ahead S’Court Ruling
Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state have begun distributing uniforms (popularly known as aso-ebi) in anticipation of a favourable ruling from the Supreme Court.
In one of the uniforms seen by The Tide’s source, the inscription “Section 177” was boldly written on the T-shirt, in apparent reference to Section 177 of the Nigeria Constitution which spells out the criteria for becoming a governor in Nigeria.
The Court of Appeal had in affirming the sack of Governor Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) held that the governor did not meet the requirement of the section, specifically Section 177(3), which stated that a person shall be qualified for election to the office of Governor of a State if “he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party”.
The APC had argued in the petition that Governor Yusuf was not a member of the NNPP as at the time of the election based on the membership register of the NNPP submitted to INEC before the election and could not have been said to have been legally sponsored by the party.
Thus, producers of the uniforms said they believe the apex court would affirm the decision of the Court of Appeal.
Similarly, many members of the APC in Fagge Local Government Area have reportedly distributed another uniform adorned with President Bola Tinubu’s cap symbol with party leaders urging members to fast-track sewing the cloth in anticipation of a favourable Supreme Court judgement.
One of the APC members, Faisal Ibrahim, according to a media report said he had sewed his clothes waiting for the swearing-in ceremony of Nasir Gawuna of the APC as the governor of Kano.
A party leader in Fagge D1 ward, Ahmad Dangwarzo, also said they have distributed many such dresses to their members across the state for the planned swearing-in ceremony of Gawuna.
“The APC leaders across the state are distributing different kinds of clothing in their respective council areas and we are confident of winning at the Supreme Court. Unless the constitution is changed, (but) nothing will change the judgement of the previous courts,” Dangwarzo said.
The development followed fasting and animal sacrifices observed over the week by members of the APC and those of the ruling NNPP in the state. The two parties had asked their members to pray for a favourable Supreme Court judgement.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state on Monday dedicated his victory at the Supreme Court to the masses of the State.
Gov Alia said the judgement only reaffirmed the time-honoured mantra that power belongs to the people.
He noted through his spokesman, Tersoo Kula, that the mandate of the masses, which was overwhelmingly given to him, would only be used for the good and welfare of the people.
He said that he will continue to prioritise their needs and interests over those of people who do not mean well for the state, calling on the people to continue to support the government of President Bola Tinubu to provide dividends of democracy to the Nigerian people.
A five-member panel of justices on Monday unanimously dismissed the appeal by Titus Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after it was withdrawn by his counsel, Sebastian Hon (SAN).
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.