Stand Up Nigeria Urges NNPP Kano State Government to Halt Intimidation of Judiciary and Focus on 2027 Governorship Election
A socio-political group known as Stand Up Nigeria (SUN) has issued a stern warning to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) led government in Kano State. SUN urged them to cease their intimidation tactics against the judiciary and instead concentrate their efforts on preparing for the upcoming 2027 governorship election.
During a press conference held in Abuja on Saturday, the group expressed its concern over recent attacks on the judiciary both before and after the verdict by the Tribunal which resulted in the removal of Governor Abba Yusuf in Kano State.
Patriot Sunday Attah, the National Coordinator of Stand Up Nigeria, commended the Justices of the Kano State governorship election petition tribunal for delivering a bold and sound judgment which declared Nasir Gawuna as the duly elected governor of the state. Attah emphasized that this judgment serves as a deterrent to politicians who engage in electoral malpractice and treat elections as matters of life and death.
We have repeatedly warned politicians to discourage their supporters from rigging and inciting violence during elections because democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, Attah stated. Losing an election does not give anyone the right to intimidate the judiciary or incite violence. The tenure of a governor is four years, after which a fresh election will be conducted. Instead of scheming to reverse a sound judgment, politicians should prepare themselves to contest again.
Recognizing Kano as an international market and a home to Nigerians regardless of their religion or tribe, Attah emphasized that Kano indigenes are also living peacefully in other states without fearing discrimination or harassment. He further stated that no individual or political party has a monopoly on violence.
Stand Up Nigeria urged the judges to be encouraged and supported by all Nigerians as they deliver critical judgments that strengthen our democracy. The group called on the NNPP and its government to publicly retract the violent threats made by their supporters, including a commissioner under Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf. Stand Up Nigeria questioned the appropriateness of the honorable title for someone who advocates such intimidation.
Highlighting the judgment of the Edo State election petition tribunal that nullified the election of Senator Osunbor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as the winner, Attah condemned the NNPP’s leadership for threatening the judges and the peace of Kano State. The group warned that the attempt to intimidate the judiciary to sway judgment would result in a miscarriage of justice.
Stand Up Nigeria expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for providing an enabling environment for the judiciary to operate without interference.
It is evident that Stand Up Nigeria is deeply concerned about the intimidation of judicial officers by the NNPP-led government in Kano State. The group emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and democracy, urging politicians to respect the judiciary and accept electoral outcomes gracefully.
