By Our Correspondent

National News – The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission on Tuesday presented a certificate of return to Ali Musa, officially affirming him as the substantive chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area in Kano State.

The action followed a ruling by the Kano State High Court, which nullified the certificate earlier issued to Abdullahi Basaf and declared Musa the duly elected chairman after resolving the electoral dispute.

The court decision, delivered on Tuesday, ordered the electoral body to withdraw the previous certificate and recognise Musa as the legitimate winner of the Kumbotso local government chairmanship election.

Acting on the directive, the commission formally handed over the certificate of return during a brief ceremony attended by party officials and supporters.

Presenting the document, KANSIEC Chairman, Sani Malumfashi, said the commission acted strictly within its constitutional mandate and complied fully with the judgment of the court.

According to him, the electoral body is responsible for organising and declaring winners in local government elections and other state-level contests, and it must respect judicial pronouncements when disputes arise.

Malumfashi emphasised that adherence to the rule of law remains central to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

He noted that the commission’s decision to issue the certificate to Musa was guided entirely by the court’s ruling and the need to uphold legal processes in electoral matters.

Also speaking at the event, the Kano State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Umar Doguwa, described the development as a demonstration of the importance of respecting judicial authority in democratic governance.

He stated that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has consistently encouraged compliance with court rulings as a way to maintain peace, stability, and political order across the state.

Doguwa urged Musa to provide inclusive and effective leadership for the people of Kumbotso, stressing that grassroots governance plays a critical role in community development.

In his remarks, Musa expressed gratitude for the court’s verdict and described the moment as a victory for justice and the electorate.

He pledged to work closely with the state government to deliver development to the people and assured that residents of Kumbotso would support ongoing governance efforts, particularly as political activities gradually build toward the 2027 general elections.