Controversy Erupts as Tribunal Labels NNPP Supporters ‘Bandits’ and ‘Red Cap Wearers

The Kano State governorship election petition tribunal’s description of members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as “red cap wearers,” “violent and terrorist cults,” “bandits,” and “bitter losers” has sparked outrage and controversy. The tribunal recently sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP and declared Nasir Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 28 gubernatorial polls.

Justice Benson Anya, a member of the tribunal, made these strong remarks in the consenting judgment, emphasizing that the Judiciary cannot be intimidated. He condemned the threats issued by Governor Yusuf and his party, stating that resorting to anarchy, violence, and killing cannot lead to lawful power.

The judge’s choice of words, including phrases like “gang of red cap wearers,” “disgruntled bandits parading as politicians,” and “threatened fire and brimstones by bitter losers,” has drawn criticism on social media.

Senator Shehu Sani pointed out a pattern in such judgments, referring to a similar situation in the Osun Governor Adeleke case. While some users expressed displeasure with the choice of words, others believed that the NNPP’s threats against the tribunal judges had contributed to the strong language used in the judgment.

The judge’s comments have raised concerns about the state of political discourse and the use of inflammatory language in Nigerian politics.