A 23-year-old woman identified as Fiddausi Ahmadu has recently been apprehended by the Department of State Security (DSS) for making threats of suicide in relation to the verdict of the Kano State election tribunal. Ahmadu had specifically targeted Nasiru Gawuna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, who was declared the winner of the Kano State governorship elections held in March.
The election tribunal ruling, which was delivered virtually, directed the electoral commission to revoke the certificate of return given to Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and hand it over to Gawuna. The tribunal deducted 165,663 votes as invalid, as the corresponding ballot papers were neither stamped nor signed, ultimately declaring them null.
Following the court’s decision, there was a strong backlash, during which a video clip featuring Ahmadu making menacing threats circulated widely in Kano. In the video, she could be heard saying in Hausa that she wouldn’t hesitate to detonate a bomb vest alongside the tribunal judge to commit suicide, warning them against revealing their location.
In another development related to the Kano State election, supporters of Governor Yusuf and the NNPP staged a protest in London on Sunday, October 1, targeting the Nigerian judiciary. The protest has since sparked controversy, with allegations of financial backing by Governor Yusuf and the NNPP leadership coming to light.
The arrest of Ahmadu demonstrates the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of inciting violence or making threats in the political arena. It serves as a reminder that expressing disagreements should be done constructively and within the boundaries of the law.
As the investigation into this incident unfolds, it is crucial for authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. The outcome of the election tribunal verdict should not be an excuse for individuals to resort to violence or harm themselves or others. A peaceful and inclusive democratic process is fundamental for any society, and it is essential for all parties to respect the outcome of the legal proceedings.
The arrest of Ahmadu and the subsequent controversy surrounding the Kano State election highlight the need for a calm and measured approach to political disputes. It is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in open dialogue, maintain respect for the rule of law, and work towards the betterment of democracy in Nigeria.
