Kano APC Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum Over Court Interference Claims
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and its spokesperson, Ibrahim Karaye, to retract and publicly apologize for allegations that the state government is influencing judicial proceedings.
In a statement, the APC described the claims as “false, malicious and legally indefensible,” warning that failure to comply would result in a defamation lawsuit against the NNPP and Karaye. The ruling party asserted that the Kano State Government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has never interfered with any judicial process.
The dispute stems from recent accusations by the NNPP that the Kano government paid substantial sums to sway verdicts at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. The APC, through its Kano State spokesperson Auwalu Soja Gwale, denied these allegations, stating they lack evidence and form part of a pattern of “reckless rhetoric” by the NNPP, particularly its Kwankwasiyya faction, following unfavorable political outcomes.
“The claim is not only baseless but also a desperate attempt to discredit the judiciary,” the APC statement read. It questioned the credibility of the NNPP to make such accusations, citing the party’s ongoing internal leadership crises, including parallel factions linked to Boniface Aniebonam and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The APC advised the embattled opposition party to focus on resolving its internal disputes rather than making “frivolous” allegations against state institutions. It reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and urged the public to disregard the NNPP’s assertions.
The ultimatum adds a new dimension to political tensions in Kano, a key northwest state. Legal experts note that defamation suits of this nature could have significant implications for political discourse. The NNPP has yet to publicly respond to the APC’s demand. Observers await whether the NNPP will retract its statements, face potential litigation, or escalate the verbal confrontation.
