Mohammed Abacha, son of the late military dictator, is warning up to become Kano State governor to, in his words, “avenge injustice” meted to him in the ballot three years ago.
“In 2011, I was defrauded. What I mean is that my name was deliberately struck out of the ballot paper and that led to my supporters stranded at the election venue. But I think it is going to be a different ball game this time,” he said.
Abacha spoke in Abuja after obtaining the nomination form of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He recalled that his previous gambit was made more difficult because he was contesting with Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had the advantage of incumbency.
“What do you expect when an incumbent conducts election by himself. The incumbent paid himself. It is very difficult to win against an incumbent. I urge people to go for a candidate of their choice irrespective of who is in power.”
Abacha said his chances are brighter now because he has a cordial relationship with PDP members, including former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shakarau, now Education Minister.
“The PDP is one house in Kano and we are working together. No one can say that we are not doing well and I can say this because the party is waxing stronger and stronger. It is an indication that the opposition is going to have a tough challenge.”
In his view, voters would like to have a change of government, and “they have been yelling for good leadership, adequate social amenities and security. We will fight social vices which is the bane of Kano Government.”
Abacha, however, declined to go into detail about the alleged financial misconduct levelled against him by the federal government.
He said the matter has been quashed by the courts and all the parties have now come under one family.
However, the APC is determined to retain occupancy of Government House even after Kwankwaso serves out his second term in May 2015.
