Governor Ganduje Kano
We
Governor Ganduje Kano
We Won’t substitute Ganduje over Bribe Allegation-APC
Spokesperson
… ‘Bribes’ Were Donations for 2019 Campaigns, Say Party
stalwarts
Amidst the brouhaha still trailing the allegation levelled
against Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, of collecting
kickbacks from contractors, the National secretariat of the All
Progressive Congress (APC) said it would not substitute his name in
2019 election.
Also, a high-ranking member of the state chapter of party claims
the alleged received-dollar bribes were donations made for
political campaigns in the state.
An online newspaper Daily Nigerian, had a month ago, released
video footages captured with a spy camera showing Governor Ganduje
allegedly receiving $5m bribe from a contractor.
On whether the embattled Governor will eventually be dropped as
APC’s Kano gubernatorial candidate in view of published video
clips, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Lanre Issa
Onilu, told PRNigeria that Ganduje remains the standard bearer of
APC in next year’s governorship election.
Onilu, who clearly pointed out that the party lacks the power to
change or arbitrarily substitute a bonafide candidate, added: ‘’The
INEC guidelines on the selection or replacement of candidates are
explicit. It doesn’t confer power on political parties to
whimsically, arbitrarily or recklessly just substitute a candidate
on frivolous grounds.
“It is only when a candidate dies, voluntarily withdraws from
contesting an election, or a court pronouncement that a candidate
can then be substituted or replaced, if you like. So as things
stand, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, regardless of the
unfortunate development is and still remains APC’s Kano guber
candidate. Don’t forget that the governor has sued the publisher of
the online media for defamation of character,’’ he concluded
Meanwhile, a top party stalwart in Kano state who pleaded
anonymity told PRNigeria that political parties in Nigeria collect
donations and commissions from individuals and groups to fund
electoral campaigns and mobilisation of members for political
rallies.
The politician, who claimed to be actively involved in APC fund
mobilisation in the state said: “There were agreements reached as
early as 2016 on preparation for likely bye-elections and
re-elections in 2019 where suggestions were made to accept
donations and commissions from patrons and contractors in the state
who are beneficiaries of government’s gesture.
“These donations are not for Ganduje, but for the party. They
are to be deployed into funding the party’s activities and
campaigns for the re-election bid of Mr. President, the Governor
and other APC aspirants for 2019 general elections.
“Political donations and payment of commission are common and
legitimate means of appreciation and reward for patronage. Even in
media organizations, generous discounts and commissions are
provided up to 30 to 40%. Ganduje has therefore done nothing
dishonourable and scandalous as other state governors are also
beneficiaries of financial gifts, rewards and donations from people
who can afford to give.”
Another insider in the party and top-functionary in Kano State
government, who equally spoke to PRNigeria in confidence, said
though Ganduje may have been caught receiving bribes, he has
delivered beyond expectations as Kano governor and remains the most
credible flagbearer of the party to guarantee a landslide victory
in the next year’s governorship election.
“The governor has executed several beneficial projects across
the states. If at all he hasn’t performed excellently, will
President Buhari have applauded him in Paris? Nothing can be more
significant than Mr. President assuredly commending Ganduje on a
diplomatic trip.”
Mallam Mohammed Garba, the Kano State Information Commissioner,
was however asked by PRNigeria to verify the claim of the
governor’s supporters and aides that he only collected donations
and not bribes.
But the Commissioner declined to speak on the matter, saying it
will amount to court contempt as the issue is already a litigation
case.
By PRNigeria