While speaking in an interview with PRNigeria, the All Progressive
Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the
allegation against Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, of collecting
kickbacks from contractors, would not substitute his name for the 2019
election.
According to PREMIUM TIMES,
Issa-Onilu, who was asked whether the embattled governor will
eventually be dropped as APC’s Kano gubernatorial candidate in view of
published video clips, said Ganduje remains the standard bearer of APC
in next year’s governorship election.
He clearly pointed out that the party lacks the power to change or arbitrarily substitute a bonafide candidate, adding that: “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
said 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 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.”