Court Nullifies Kumbotso LG Chairman’s Election, Declares Hardworker Winner

A High Court sitting in Kano on Tuesday nullified the election of Kumbotso Local Government Area Chairman, Abdullahi Ghali Basaf, and declared Ali Musa Hardworker as the duly elected winner of the 2024 chairmanship poll, bringing a dramatic legal twist to the local government leadership in the area.

Delivering judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Abdu Mai Wada Abubakar of Court No. 17, upheld the nullification of Basaf’s victory, ruling that the outcome of the election did not comply with relevant legal provisions. The court consequently affirmed Hardworker as the lawful winner of the poll.

Justice Abubakar further directed the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to issue a Certificate of Return to Hardworker with immediate effect, effectively recognizing him as the legitimate chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area.

In swift compliance with the court’s directive, KANSIEC issued the Certificate of Return to Hardworker shortly after the ruling, signaling the commission’s acceptance of the judgment and its readiness to implement the court’s decision without delay.

At a brief ceremony held at the commission’s headquarters in Kano, Hardworker, accompanied by the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Umar Haruna, alongside hundreds of supporters and well-wishers, formally received the certificate amid jubilation.

Speaking after the presentation, Hardworker expressed gratitude to Allah for the victory and appreciated the unwavering support of his political allies and supporters throughout the legal battle, which he described as a challenging but worthwhile struggle.

The court’s decision is expected to spark significant political reactions across Kumbotso Local Government Area and the wider Kano State, as stakeholders and party loyalists assess the implications of the ruling on the local political landscape.