Politics

Shekarau faction accuses Buni of bias, heads to S’Court

The Ibrahim Shekarau-led faction of the Kano All Progressives Congress has vowed to appeal the judgment of the Court of Appeal which nullified the Kano State ward and local government congresses.

It would be recalled that the FCT High Court had earlier declared the congresses conducted by the Shekarau-led faction in Kano State as valid.

However, the Court of Appeal, in a suit filed by the Governor Abdullahi Ganduje-led faction of the Kano APC, on Thursday, declared that the High Court lacked the jurisdiction to try the case.

The court, while noting that the matter should be decided by the leadership of the APC as it is an internal affair of the party, handed the control of the ruling party in Kano State back to Governor Ganduje.

Following the judgment of the Appeal Court, the APC on Thursday presented a certificate of return to Abdullahi Abbas, a loyalist of the governor, as the state chairman of the party.

However, the Shekarau-led faction, while reacting to the development via a statement made available to TheStar, declared its readiness to challenge the Appeal Court judgment at the Supreme Court.

The faction said: “What is heartwarming, however, is that the appellate system of our courts, allows a party who is dissatisfied with the decision given by one court to appeal to a higher court.

“It is in this regard that we, in very strong terms, urged all our supporters throughout Kano State and beyond to remain calm and focus because our lawyers have immediately commenced the process of appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, being dissatisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

“Although we have appreciated the efforts of our party leaders in trying to move our great party forward, much more is still desired from them in terms of building stronger confidence in the party members. Members must be seen to be treated equally, fairly and equitably.”

The Shekarau-led faction further accused the leadership of the APC of bias, saying: “For more than 40 days after the judgment of the FCT High Court, the leadership refused to give recognition to the victorious party despite efforts to make them see reason to do so in obedience to the rule of law.

“Conversely, however, barely a few hours after the judgment of the Court of Appeal, on the same day, we saw the leadership of giving certificate to the person who emerged victorious in the appeal. All courts should necessarily earn equal respect from citizens.

“We humbly and respectfully urge our party leaders, to always take the right actions to protect the party’s electoral viability. Party members should be inspired by the disciplined commitment of party leaders to support and implement lawful decisions.

“We, unequivocally, wish to assure our supporters and followers that we shall never give up this fight for the entrenchment of inclusiveness, equity and justice in the Kano State chapter of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) until justice is not only done, but manifestly seen to have been done,” the faction stated.

TheStar