All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the position of the Kwankwasiyya faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), accusing the Kano State government of influencing court proceedings, describing the claim as false and defamatory.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson in Kano, Auwalu Soja Gwale, the party said the allegation, reportedly made by the factional spokesperson of NNPP, Ibrahim Karaye, lacked evidence and was aimed at discrediting the judiciary.

The APC specifically denied claims that the state government paid huge sums to influence proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, demanding immediate retraction.

The statement further issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Karaye and the NNPP to retract the allegation, tender a public apology and desist from making similar claims. It warned that failure to comply would result in legal action for defamation.

It described the allegation as “false, malicious and legally indefensible,” stressing that the Kano State government has never interfered with judicial processes.

According to the statement, the claim was part of a pattern of what it called “reckless rhetoric” by elements within the NNPP whenever political outcomes do not favour them.

The APC urged the Kwankwasiyya faction of the NNPP to focus on resolving its internal leadership disputes, citing ongoing litigations involving factions linked to Boniface Aniebonam and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso rather than interfering in frivolous matters.

They said it was inappropriate for a party embroiled in internal crises to accuse the judiciary of corruption without proof. The APC reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and urged the public to disregard the allegation, describing it as baseless.

Both the opposition and ruling APC have recently been embroiled in counteraccusations and a war of words over political differences since the realignment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Before the recent alleged defamatory comments, the Kwankwasiyya movement had accused APC of orchestrating unrest during its political engagement in the Rogo council area of the state, another allegation the ruling party refuted.

MEANWHILE, the state government has been criticised by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, over what he described as preferential treatment in allowing Muhammadu Sanusi II to carry out a limited procession.

According to him, “the move could be interpreted as official recognition of Sanusi as Emir, following the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the Kano Emirate that is currently before the courts.”

Bayero had earlier notified security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, of his intention to organise a durbar celebration after the Ramadan fast.

He, however, accepted the state government’s directive suspending the traditional Eid durbar, citing the need to maintain peace and stability in the state.

During a media briefing, Bayero’s position was conveyed by the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba Danagundi, who stated that he had directed his followers to fully comply with the government’s directive, leading to the cancellation of all preparations for the Sallah procession.

He noted that the decision to forgo the durbar was taken in the interest of peace, stressing that the Emirate would not engage in any activity capable of causing unrest in the state.

Bayero commended the state government for its broader security considerations, but lamented the approval granted to Sanusi for a limited procession.