Despite allegations that he received at least $5 million as bribes from contractors, the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, will remain the standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu made this known in an interview with PR Nigeria.
Recall that an online newspaper, Daily Nigerian had published videos filmed with spy cameras which showed Ganduje receiving wads of dollar bills that were described as bribes from contractors that had been awarded contracts in the state.
The videos prompted an investigation from the Kano State House of Assembly, which was later stopped by Kano State High Court.
However, the APC said the alleged bribery was not enough grounds to substitute Ganduje, who is seeking a second term in office in 2019 on the platform of the party.
The Herald recalls that Ganduje vowed to ensure President Muhammadu Buhari wins five million votes from the state in the 2019 presidential election.
Issa-Onilu said, “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.”
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