In a dramatic twist amid the ongoing legal feud over the Kano state governorship election, a significant surge of over 500 legal professionals has volunteered to stand behind Dr. Yusuf Nasir Gawuna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the case heads to the Supreme Court.
This development follows closely on the heels of approximately 200 lawyers who reportedly showed their support for the incumbent governor, Abba Yusuf of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP).
Gathering under the banner of ‘The Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law,’ these legal luminaries formally declared their backing during a press briefing held in Abuja. Barrister Joseph E. Onwudiwe, the spokesperson for this collective, voiced grave concerns regarding alleged attempts to manipulate the judiciary in favor of the NNPP.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of the judiciary in preserving the vitality of Nigeria’s democratic framework, Onwudiwe urged the NNPP to demonstrate patience and await the Supreme Court’s definitive ruling.
“We stand committed to supporting the judiciary in its mission to shield Nigeria’s democracy from electoral malpractice,” declared Onwudiwe, urging fellow citizens to safeguard the democratic ethos from subversion.
Asserting the supremacy and resilience of Nigeria’s democratic values beyond partisan interests, Onwudiwe cautioned against actions endangering the nation’s democratic foundation, specifically warning the Kano Governor, the NNPP, and their affiliates.
Underscoring their stance on upholding the legitimacy of Kano citizens’ votes, the legal consortium stressed their commitment to defending democracy and securing the rightful winner of the March 18 Kano gubernatorial election, Gawuna.
“Drawing from our collective resolve across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, we, the coalition of over 500 legal minds, have decided to join forces in the legal defense of Gawuna at the Supreme Court,” Onwudiwe concluded.
