The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in Ali Musa, popularly known as “Hard Worker,” as the Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area, following a decisive court ruling that nullified the tenure of the former chairman.
The development was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The swearing-in follows a landmark judgment delivered by the Kano State High Court, presided over by Justice Abdu Mai Wada Abubakar, which removed Abdullahi Basaf from office and declared Ali Musa as the rightful winner and legitimate candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party for the Kumbotso council seat.
The legal dispute, which dates back to the 2024 local government primary elections, centred on the alleged illegal substitution of Ali Musa’s name by the party and the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission.
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Counsel to Ali Musa, Jazuli Mustafha, had argued that an earlier ruling by Justice Usman Na’abba affirmed Musa as the valid candidate. However, despite the court’s position, the election proceeded with Abdullahi Basaf, who was subsequently sworn into office.
Following the latest ruling, KANSEIC, under the leadership of Professor Sani Malumfashi, withdrew the Certificate of Return earlier issued to Basaf and reissued it to Ali Musa, effectively recognising him as the duly elected chairman.
The court also directed that Ali Musa be sworn in without delay to prevent a leadership vacuum in the local government.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Yusuf urged the new chairman to discharge his duties with integrity, commitment, and a strong focus on grassroots development.
He emphasised that effective leadership at the local government level remains critical to the success of governance, calling on the chairman to fulfil the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Kumbotso.
In his remarks, Ali Musa “Hard Worker” pledged to work diligently towards improving the welfare and living standards of the people, assuring residents of inclusive and people-oriented leadership.