Heavy security measures were observed across Kano State’s metropolis on Saturday due to the planned rally and protest by the supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the state. Despite the initial intention of the two political parties and their supporters to carry out their agenda, no one was sighted on the streets for the planned protest,Daily Trust reports.
Daily Trust reported that the APC and NNPP stakeholders had scheduled a mega rally and protest, respectively, in response to the Appeal Court’s judgment that ousted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and declared Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna of the APC as the winner of the March 18 election in the state.
Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, the Director-General of the Gawuna/Garo Campaign Organisation, along with other APC stakeholders, including members of the Kano State House of Assembly, former commissioners, ex-special advisers, and APC stalwarts, had announced plans for a mass rally. Similarly, NNPP was set to stage a mass protest in Kano on the same day.
ALSO READ: Shettiman Tasks IPMAN Stakeholders On Sublime Leadership
While the leadership of NNPP had earlier denied plans for a protest, some groups of supporters insisted otherwise. The Police Command in Kano issued a warning against public processions, protests, or rallies, urging all parties to exercise restraint.
Although security operatives were strategically stationed across the state, especially in the metropolis, no protesters were seen on the streets. Mansur Haruna Dandago, an aide to Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the APC, stated that the plan was shelved considering the security concerns for lives and properties. He emphasized their commitment to peace and mentioned a future mass rally when the time is right.
Abubakar Moriki of the NNPP in Tarauni Local Government Area confirmed that the party’s leaders had directed supporters to halt the exercise and remain calm to prevent any violence or loss of life and property.
The tension in the state escalated after the Appeal Court’s insistence on Governor Yusuf’s removal, despite controversies surrounding the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.
