NBA to petition police over Kwankwaso’s claim of taking Abba Yusuf to Supreme Court

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced plans to petition the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies following claims of political interference in the judiciary.

The decision was made by the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) after remarks attributed to Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), regarding the 2019 Kano governorship election.

Kwankwaso reportedly stated that he took Abba Yusuf, the current governor of Kano State, to meet Supreme Court justices after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the election inconclusive. The apex court later ruled in favour of Abdullahi Ganduje, upholding his election and dismissing Yusuf’s petition.

The comments were made while Kwankwaso addressed supporters following Yusuf’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement shared on X by Etaba Agbor, secretary of the NBA Young Lawyers’ Forum, the association said the NEC deliberated on the remarks due to the public attention they received.

The NBA warned that such claims, whether direct or implied, could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and Nigeria’s electoral justice system.

The association said the petition will not be limited to Kwankwaso alone but will extend to any individual who has made statements suggesting improper access to judicial officers or undue influence over judicial decisions.

The NEC has mandated the NBA’s national executive committee to prepare and submit a formal petition to the police and other relevant security agencies, calling for a thorough and impartial investigation. The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the integrity of the courts.