APC receives fire from PDP and LP for picking someone with alleged ‘corruption baggage’
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Electing former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman despite alleged “corruption baggage” hanging around his neck simply confirms the calibre of the top echelon of the party and their mindset in running Nigeria, opposition parties have warned.
Both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) knocked the APC for choosing Ganduje, 73, over others in the party with clean image.
Ganduje was elected on Thursday at the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where he promised to promote party unity, carry out reforms, and adhere to internal democracy.
Ajibola Basiru was elected APC National Secretary.
The meeting was attended by President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma who doubles as Progressive Governors Forum Chairman, among other APC grandees.
Tinubu defended the legitimacy of the presidential ballot even though his fate hangs in the balance at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) which has reserved judgment in the petitions filed by the PDP and LP.
“Some people baited us but we honoured their wishes and yet coasted to victory. Yes, we are facing challenges in court and I say this is one of the freest and fairest election in the history of Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
“As a democrat, those who cannot accept the result of a free and fair election, do not deserve the joy of victory.
“We have worked hard, and we have received the trophy. Winning an election is the first part of the process. What is next is good governance and quality service delivery. We must promote unity, peace, and love among all organs of the party.
“You are the makers and drivers of the party. When we have all passengers inside the bus, the driver must not fall asleep. The brake must also work well. Party loyalty must exist.”
But a statement issued by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba alerted the APC has confirmed itself as a “cesspit of corruption and a haven for thieves, bribe takers and treasury looters.”
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APC a party of ‘embezzlers and charlatans’, says PDP
“By appointing Ganduje, notoriously referred to as ‘Gandollar’ by Nigerians over the infamous video of him barefacedly stuffing his gown with US dollar notes as bribe allegedly from a contractor, while serving as Governor of Kano State, further validates that the APC is a putrid party of embezzlers and charlatans,” Ologunagba added, per The PUNCH.
“It also underscores APC’s impunity and insensitivity to the demands of honesty, integrity and moral rectitude required of public office holders. The PDP invites Nigerians to note that only last month, a forensic analysis by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed that the content of the 2017 ‘Gandollar’ viral video was not doctored.”
LP says Ganduje chairman proves APC ‘lacks credibility’
Yunusa Tanko, spokesman of the defunct LP Presidential Campaign Council, lamented the appointment of Ganduje is clear proof the APC lacks any toga of credibility.
“When you have somebody who has a lot of credibility issues hanging on his neck, what good will he bring? In fact, as we speak today, Ganduje is almost being chased out of Kano because of the atrocities he committed in the state. I am from Kano,” Tanko said in a statement.
“Is this the same person the APC is making its own National Chairman? Come on, they can do better.
“That means the entire party lacks credibility. That is what it shows. There is no ingenuity in him.”