Uba Sani has defended Nigeria’s judiciary, arguing that many politicians currently criticising the courts had previously benefited from judicial rulings.

The Kaduna State governor said it was inconsistent for political actors to praise the judiciary when judgments favour them but question its credibility when decisions go against their interests.

According to Sani, respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary is essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic system. He urged political leaders and their supporters to allow the courts to perform their constitutional responsibilities without undue pressure or intimidation.

The governor stressed that while judicial decisions may be subject to appeal through established legal processes, public confidence in the justice system should not be undermined by selective criticism.

He also called on politicians to place national interest above partisan considerations, noting that strong democratic institutions are built on respect for due process and the separation of powers.

Sani reaffirmed his support for an independent judiciary, describing it as a critical pillar of democracy and a vital safeguard for justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election after a sweeping victory across all 16 local government areas of the state.

INEC Returning Officer, Professor Adenike Oladiji, announced the result in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, confirming that Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Wole Oluyede of the PDP, who secured 40,543 votes. ADC candidate Dare Bejide came third with 12,872 votes.

The victory makes Oyebanji the first incumbent governor in Ekiti State’s history to secure re-election while in office.

Final Results

APC – 319,224 votes

PDP – 40,543 votes

ADC – 12,872 votes

LP – 276 votes

ADP – 1,269 votes

According to INEC, the election recorded over 383,000 accredited voters from a registered voter population of nearly one million across the state.

Oyebanji dominated the poll in all 16 local government areas, posting particularly strong performances in Ado-Ekiti, Ijero, Ekiti West, Irepodun/Ifelodun, and Ikole LGAs.

The election was closely monitored by political parties, observers, and security agencies, with the outcome reinforcing the APC’s hold on power in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has unveiled Mustapha Kwankwaso as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Kano State, pairing him with the party’s governorship flagbearer, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement. His emergence is being viewed as a strategic move that could strengthen the party’s grassroots appeal ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.

The announcement was confirmed on Monday by party and movement officials, who described the selection as part of efforts to promote unity, inclusiveness, and effective representation within the NDC.

Gwarzo, a former deputy governor of Kano State, had earlier emerged as the NDC’s governorship candidate following consultations among party leaders and stakeholders. His candidacy is seen as a key component of the party’s strategy to challenge for power in the state in 2027.

Political observers believe the choice of Mustapha Kwankwaso could reshape alliances within Kano’s political landscape, given the influence of the Kwankwasiyya movement and the continued relevance of the Kwankwaso political family in the state’s affairs.

With the election cycle gradually taking shape, attention is expected to focus on how the Gwarzo-Mustapha ticket positions itself against rival parties and candidates in what is likely to be a highly competitive race.