KANO, Nigeria – The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kano State has urged its former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, not to honor the summons by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, PCACC, concerning alleged bribe videos.
The party expressed strong concerns that the investigation is politically motivated and aims to tarnish the former governor’s reputation.
The PCACC, earlier this week, extended an invitation to Ganduje to appear before the commission to address the issue of a video allegedly showing him receiving dollars as bribes.
The chairman of the commission, Mr. Muhuyi Rimingado, confirmed the development on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
“We expect Mr. Ganduje to appear before the commission next week. This is an opportunity for him to clear his name in the ongoing investigation,” said Rimingado.
In an immediate and emphatic response, the APC released a statement, jointly signed by its state Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, and Secretary, Alhaji Zakari Sarina, urging Ganduje to disregard the commission’s summons.
The party stated, “We have realized that the reenactment of the politically motivated issue of the dollar video by the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, which is before a court of law, is part of a sinister ploy to dent the image of the former governor.”
The APC further explained that a similar tactic was employed in 2019 in an attempt to impede Ganduje’s prospects of securing the party’s gubernatorial ticket.
This time, the APC claims, “The detractors are engaged in this campaign of calumny to draw a wedge between President Bola Tinubu and Ganduje, one of the president’s strongest allies in the North.”
This development has thrown Kano State into a political whirlwind, as observers speculate on the motivations behind the commission’s invitation and the APC’s bold response.
The upcoming days are likely to be fraught with political maneuvering as both parties and the public await Ganduje’s decision on whether he will heed his party’s advice or honor the commission’s summons.
As the political drama unfolds, Kano residents and Nigerians at large will be watching closely to see how this affects the political landscape and the fight against corruption in one of the country’s most influential states.
