Kano pays N16 billion gratuity to former APC councillors
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
Jubilation in Kano as the Appeal court, sitting in Abuja, validated the conduct of Local Government elections in the state.
The Appeal court, on Friday, in Abuja, quashed the judgement of a Federal High Court, in Kano, which sought to stop the conduct of Local Government elections in the state.
The elections, which were conducted a few months ago, gave a landslide victory to the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the state.
In a Statement released on Friday, on behalf of th state government, the Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya said: “The Kano State Government expresses joy and satisfaction with the landmark judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, which overturned an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court in Kano that sought to stop the conduct of Local Government council elections in the state.”
Our Correspondent reports that in its ruling, the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Oyewumi, declared that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain a matter concerning the conduct of Local Government Council’s elections.
The case was initially instituted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an acclaimed faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), challenging the credibility of the elections, alleging bias on the part of the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi.
Delivering judgment on the matter, the appellate court upheld the appeal filed by the Kano State Government and nullified the decision of the lower court.
The appellate court affirmed that the Local Government Councils’ elections conducted in the state were valid and remain legally binding.
The Commissioner of Information insisted that: “The Kano State Government views this ruling as a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the collective will of the good people of Kano State. It also further reaffirms our belief in the judiciary as the catalyst for the rule of law, the last hope for all and sundry, and a pillar for the sustenance of democratic governance.
“The judgment has further vindicated the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the State Independent Electoral Commission, towards conducting a credible, free and fair election that has ushered in the elected officials across the 44 local government councils and 484 Wards of the state.”
Waiya further hinted that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf commended the judiciary, “for its courage, fairness, and commitment to upholding constitutional order.”
Governor Yusuf also appreciated the good people of Kano State for their calmness, resilience, and patience while awaiting the outcome of the legal process.
Waiya said, “This collective show of maturity reflects the political awareness and democratic spirit of our great state.
“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to grassroots development and will continue to support the democratically elected local government councils to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, I heartily congratulate Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the good people of Kano State on this well-deserved judicial victory. This triumph further strengthens our democratic institutions and reinforces the people’s mandate freely expressed at the polls.”
Yusuf pays N16 billion gratuity to former APC councillors
Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has paid N16 billion outstanding gratuity to former councillors under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
A Statement by the state Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, indicated that the gesture was in continuous commitment to ensuring justice, fairness and equity in governance.
The payment covered outstanding gratuity, accommodation, leave/recess, housing, and furniture allowances to APC former councillors that served between 2014 to 2024, including current political office holders in the 44 Local Government Councils of the state.
Governor Yusuf said that the payment of the gratuity to the former APC councillors was not a privilege, but a right and a show of appreciation for their service to the state.
According to him, “this moment is not merely ceremonial; it symbolises our administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding dignity, fairness, and accountability in public service.”
Governor Yusuf said the initiative underscored the administration’s pledge to honour those who served and are still serving the state at the grassroots level.
He recalled that when the matter was tabled before the state Executive Council for consideration, members of the Council were unanimous in approving the payment of gratuity to all the former councillors irrespective of party leaning.
Governor Yusuf added that, “it was not right to deny people their rights, especially after serving their people diligently, hence the resolve of NNPP administration to differ from the previous administration that denied the former Local Government legislators their right.”
Governor Yusuf further noted that, “councillors from 484 wards of the state’s 44 Local Government councils who completed their tenure at different times, were denied their rights by the past APC administration, by refusing to pay them their gratuity, saying ‘we can’t toe this line.”
The payments covered different categories of entitlements that remained outstanding for years, which affected former APC councillors, vice chairmen, chairmen, supervisory councillors, and special advisers.
The disbursements were designed to be executed in structured phases: Tranche A (2014–2017): 903 beneficiaries would receive ₦1.8 billion and be disbursed immediately.
Tranche B (2018–2020): 1,198 beneficiaries would receive ₦5.6 billion between May and July 2025.
Tranche C (2021–2024): 1,371 beneficiaries are scheduled to receive ₦8.2 billion between August and November 2025.
In addition, a total of ₦1.27 billion has been earmarked and is now being disbursed to cover housing and furniture allowances for current elected and appointed political office holders across all local government councils.
Governor Yusuf emphasised that the payments are more than just financial transactions: “They are an expression of our values that service must be respected, commitments must be honoured and leadership must be accountable.”
The Governor also extended heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders, including verification teams, finance officers, oversight committees, and administrative coordinators, for their meticulous work that led to the successful execution of the exercise.
He concluded with a rallying call for continued unity and support: “Let us work together to build a more prosperous and inclusive Kano State.
“With pride in our collective effort and confidence in our shared future, I hereby launch the first phase of these payments,” Governor Yusuf said.