GRPolitics

APC: We won’t substitute Ganduje over bribe allegation

Published

7 years ago

November 21, 2018

grassroots

Amidst the brouhaha still trailing the allegation levelled against Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, of collecting kickbacks from contractors, the National secretarial of the All Progressive Congress (APC) said it would not substitute his name in 2019 election.

Also, a high-ranking member of the state chapter of party claims the alleged received-dollar bribes were donations made for political campaigns in the state.

An online newspaper Daily Nigerian, had a month ago, released video footages captured with a spy camera showing Governor Ganduje allegedly receiving $5m bribe from a contractor.

On whether the embattled Governor will eventually be dropped as APC’s Kano gubernatorial candidate in view of published video clips, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Lanre Issa Onilu, told PRNigeria that Ganduje remains the standard bearer of APC in next year’s governorship election.

Onilu, who clearly pointed out that the party lacks the power to change or arbitrarily substitute a bonafide candidate, added: “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 told PRNigeria 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 to PRNigeria 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.”

Mallam Mohammed Garba, the Kano State Information Commissioner, was however asked by PRNigeria to verify the claim of the governor’s supporters and aides that he only collected donations and not bribes.

But the Commissioner declined to speak on the matter, saying it will amount to court contempt as the issue is already a litigation case. (PRNigeria)

GRPolitics

BREAKING: Obiora Obeagu Wins African 3G Summit Leadership Award for Outstanding Performance in Rural Healthcare, Infrastructure Development

Published

2 hours ago

September 19, 2025

grassroots

The Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Hon. Obiora Obeagu

The Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Hon. Obiora Obeagu, has been named winner of the African Grassroots Good Governance (3G) Summit Leadership Award as Outstanding Local Government Chairman on Rural Healthcare and Infrastructure Development in Nigeria.

The announcement follows a rigorous nomination, screening, voting, and verification process aimed at identifying the most outstanding and best-performing local government chairmen and mayors across the continent.

The African 3G Summit Leadership Awards, organized by AfricanStride International Media Group (ASIMGROUP), is a premier continental roundtable and honours event focused on driving development and promoting excellence in grassroots governance across Africa.

Transformative Leadership in Isi-Uzo

Since assuming office, Hon. Obeagu has distinguished himself as a visionary leader committed to grassroots good governance and improving the quality of life for Isi-Uzo residents. His tenure has been marked by significant investments in:

Rural Healthcare: Construction of the Isi-Uzo Clinic and other health initiatives.
Infrastructure: Development of roads, culverts, and key link bridges; renovation of the Council Secretariat; and execution of power projects.
Community Development: Launch of the Isi-Uzo Villa Estate, housing projects, and educational empowerment initiatives.

These interventions have driven growth, prosperity, and enhanced access to basic social amenities in the local government area.

Award Ceremony Set for Abuja

Hon. Obeagu will be formally presented with the prestigious award during the African 3G Summit Leadership Awards ceremony scheduled to hold on November 1, 2025, in Abuja.

The event will feature the unveiling of outstanding local and regional government leaders across Africa whose dedication to grassroots governance continues to inspire confidence in the continent’s democratic and political future.

GRPolitics

Tinubu Hails Winners of By-Elections in 12 States

Published

1 month ago

August 17, 2025

grassroots

President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates all the winners of Saturday, August 16, by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.

The President commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.

Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.

President Tinubu congratulates the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.

He also congratulates the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.

“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.

“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.

President Tinubu commends all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoins them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.

GRPolitics

FG: President Tinubu Fulfilling Development Promises to South-East

By Sandra Ani

Published

1 month ago

August 17, 2025

grassroots

President Bola Tinubu's appointees on tour of South East

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has restated the Federal Government’s firm commitment to the rapid socio-economic development of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East geo-political zone.

Speaking in Abakaliki on Friday night at a Citizens’ Engagement Forum organised by his Ministry, the Minister said: “The commitment of Mr. President to the socio-economic development of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East is unwavering. He is right on track to transform and move the region forward, as promised when he came here to campaign in November 2022.”

The Minister explained that the Citizens’ Engagement Forum is not a mere talk shop but a direct platform to present government’s scorecard, give account of stewardship, and take feedback from Nigerians.

“This is consistent with the mission of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to reenact trust in public communication by deepening the social contract between government and citizens, and restoring public confidence in governance.”

Highlighting major achievements of the Tinubu administration, Idris noted that subsidy removal and other bold reforms have doubled allocations to states and local governments, fueling an “unprecedented explosion of infrastructure projects across most states of the country.”

The Minister said “the Port Harcourt-Aba railway project has been completed, delivered, and is in operation,” while the Federal Executive Council has approved “the allocation of $3 billion for the completion of the 2,044km Eastern Rail Line, projected to unlock N50 billion for the region in annual trade.”

In addition, “$508 million has been earmarked for the upgrade and modernization of Eastern Port infrastructure,” while “118.85km of the Ebonyi section of the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway has been inaugurated.”

On healthcare, the Minister disclosed that “the Federal Government, in April 2025, flagged off the Cancer Centre of Excellence at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu,” adding that a “world-class Oncology Centre at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka” has also been commissioned.

To support small businesses, Idris stated: “The Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry, injected about N200 billion into nano, micro, and small businesses, benefitting over 900,000 business owners.”

He further announced that the newly established South-East Development Commission has “hit the ground running in its pursuit to build a $200 billion economy for the region by 2035,” while the South-East Investment Corporation, with a capital base of N150 billion, will drive industrialization and inclusive growth.

On security, the Minister assured citizens that the Federal Government is winning the war against insurgents and secessionist elements. “We have recorded great success in making the South East safe and rendering the sit-at-home orders by secessionists ineffective,” he stressed.

Idris commended Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for his development strides, especially in forging synergy with the Federal Government to deliver impactful projects for the people of the state.

“His success across all sectors of the state is a testament to what is possible when state and federal governments work in synergy to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.”

The Minister reiterated President Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy, bridging the infrastructure gap, promoting food security, improving the living conditions of the masses and bequeathing a prosperous nation to future generations. “Indeed, we are not resting on our oars,” he affirmed.