Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has described the late human rights lawyer and pro-democracy activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, as one of the Nigerians who played a crucial role in keeping the country’s political space open.
Sani spoke on Saturday in Kaduna at the public presentation of the book, “Gani Fawehinmi and Uba Sani: A Tale of Mentor and Mentee.”
The governor recalled Fawehinmi’s legal battle against what he described as stringent conditions imposed by the Independent National Electoral Commission on political associations seeking registration.
According to him, the restrictions left many human rights and pro-democracy activists frustrated, but Fawehinmi remained determined to pursue democratic change through lawful means.
Sani said Fawehinmi consistently encouraged activists to retain confidence in the judiciary, the rule of law and democratic institutions while using available democratic processes to defend and strengthen democracy.
He recalled that Fawehinmi and former Kaduna State governor, Balarabe Musa, eventually took the matter to court, challenging INEC’s position on the registration of political associations.
The governor said the legal battle lasted more than two years before the Court of Appeal eventually ruled in their favour in 2002.
Sani said the struggle reflected Fawehinmi’s broader commitment to expanding political participation and protecting democratic freedoms in Nigeria.
He added that the late activist’s courage, legal activism and commitment to democratic principles left a lasting influence on those who worked closely with him, including himself.
