Coalition Questions Judiciary’s Impartiality Following Kano Election Ruling

• Eye on the Judiciary Coalition condemns Kano election ruling, expressing deep concerns over perceived inconsistencies and influences compromising justice
• The coalition questions the independence of the judiciary, citing troubling contradictions and urges caution in approaching the Supreme Court

The Eye on the Judiciary Coalition (EJC), comprising 26 civil society groups, gathered in Lafia, Nassarawa state, to express deep concern over the recent appellate court ruling on the Kano state gubernatorial elections.

Condemning the judgment as distressing, the coalition labelled it as a disheartening confirmation that justice in Nigeria is now susceptible to influences. Led by Coordinator Comrade Salisu Musa Yahaya, the EJC articulated grave concerns over what they perceived as glaring inconsistencies and contradictions within the ruling.

The comparison drawn to previous presidential election litigations was of significant concern to the coalition, particularly the Supreme Court’s validation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory amid forgery allegations. This precedent, the group argued, had cast doubt on the independence of the judiciary.

Describing the recent Kano election verdict, echoing the earlier tribunal ruling, as draconian, the EJC asserted that it infringed upon the Kano people’s right to choose their leader. They highlighted a perplexing contradiction within the judiciary, citing the Tinubu v. Obi case, where the issue of party membership was deemed non-justiciable, contrasting starkly with the current situation in Kano.

The EJC underscored the crucial role of transparency in the judicial process, emphasizing that recent political developments and perceived compromises have eroded public confidence. Expressing scepticism about approaching the Supreme Court, they cautioned against raising false hopes, citing a pervasive lack of trust in the higher judiciary.

Their plea was directed at Abba K. Yusuf, the people’s choice for Kano governor, advising against pursuing the case further due to suspicions of collusion between the ruling class in Abuja and the judiciary. Amid their critique, the coalition highlighted a critical oversight: the absence of judicial officials from Kano, adding weight to their concerns about representation and fairness in the decision-making process.