In a surprising turn of events, the judges presiding over the Kano governorship election tribunal were conspicuously absent from the courtroom as they delivered their judgment remotely. The tribunal had been handling a petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the victory of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
As the proceedings commenced, Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay, Chairman of the three-member panel, addressed the courtroom via Zoom. This unexpected development left journalists, lawyers, party members, and many others who had gathered at the court perplexed and denied access.
The decision not to broadcast the judgment live and the restrictions placed on the use of smartphones or cameras in the courtroom had raised suspicions and curiosity surrounding the tribunal's conduct.
The absence of the judges from the physical courtroom comes in the wake of allegations and counter-allegations against the panel. Former Commissioner of Land and Physical Planning, Adamu Kibiya, had vocally expressed his concerns during a protest organized by members of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the state. His comments, which included strong statements about justice and the judges' roles, had triggered a backlash and led to his removal from office by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The decision to conduct the proceedings via Zoom has ignited controversy and questions about the transparency and fairness of the judgment. It remains unclear why the judges opted for this unconventional method, but it has left many eagerly awaiting the outcome and pondering the implications of remote verdict delivery in a significant election dispute.
