KANO, Nigeria- In the aftermath of the March 18, 2023 elections in Kano, a concerning political landscape has emerged, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its supporters steadfastly asserting claims to victory and raising fears of potential violence.
Since the period before and after the March 18 elections, the APC and its supporters have been vocal in their assertions of victory, employing various tactics to secure their position. The intensity of these claims has sparked worries that the APC is, in every sense of the word, provoking violence more than any other political group in Kano.
Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, the chairman of Kano Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, voiced these concerns in response to the ongoing political turmoil, particularly its impact on the judicial process. Speaking exclusively to Hausa Channel DCL Hausa, Chairman Rimin Gado, expressing his opinions as an individual and a bona fide Kano citizen, highlighted the potential for increased violence stemming from the APC’s persistent claims.
In his statements, Chairman Rimin Gado underscored the delicate nature of the political climate, emphasizing the need for lawful means in resolving electoral disputes to avert potential violence.
The historical context, as outlined by Chairman Rimin Gado, includes the 2023 elections where the Nigeria New Progress Party (NNPP) emerged as the victor. Despite a fair and square victory, Chairman Rimin Gado noted instances where the former ruling party, APC, mobilized individuals wielding machetes. These individuals attempted to snatch and destroy ballot boxes won by NNPP, with the intent of forcing the election into inconclusiveness. These efforts, however, ultimately did not succeed.
As Kano grapples with the aftermath of contested election results, the concerns raised by Chairman Rimin Gado shed light on the need for a peaceful resolution and the preservation of the integrity of the electoral process in the region.
Amidst the political turbulence in Kano, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, the chairman of the Kano Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, has not only expressed concerns over potential violence but also issued a strong call for the preservation of judicial independence and impartiality.
The call for judicial independence comes at a critical time when political tensions are high, and the integrity of the electoral process is under scrutiny. Chairman Rimin Gado underscored the importance of the judiciary in serving as a bastion of justice, ensuring that disputes are resolved in accordance with the law, free from undue interference.
Furthermore, he highlighted the need for transparency in the adjudication of cases related to the contested election results in Kano. Chairman Rimin Gado asserted that an impartial judiciary would play a crucial role in fostering peace and stability in the region, allowing for a democratic process that upholds the rights and will of the people.
