The membership of Umbrella of Kano Concerned Civil Society Groups and the Astute Civil Society for Cultural and Humanity Development, a coalition of Nigerians committed to advancing transparency, justice, rule of law and good governance, has issued a statement urging President Tinubu to ask the National Chairman of APC Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to step aside due to several petitions filed against him on allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement during his tenure as executive Governor of Kano State.
A statement by the Group Coordinator Comrade Ibrahim Ali, stated that “we call for his immediate removal from his current position and for the EFCC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau to investigate and prosecute him, ensuring that his case serves as a strong deterrent to others who exploit public office for personal gain. This is crucial to restore faith in the fight against corruption and demonstrate that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law”.
They also claimed that “the Kano State Government earlier press charges on Ganduje with crimes related to $413,000 in bribes and N1.38 billion in embezzled funds. Specifically, Ganduje is accused of accepting kickbacks for government contracts, including a $200,000 bribe for awarding contracts and $213,000 for another project. More alarmingly, the state government alleges that Ganduje, along with his wife and son the newly appointment Director Technical Services in Rural electrification Agency, Engr. Unar Abdullahi Umar, misappropriated funds earmarked for public health purposes—specifically, N1.38 billion intended for the purchase of medical supplies and face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic”.
Also “In addition to these charges, it has been revealed that Ganduje and his family allegedly used their personal businesses, including Safari Textiles Ltd and Lamash Properties Ltd, as vehicles for these corrupt activities. The claims of financial misconduct within the Ganduje family have caused significant harm to the people of Kano State, who are entitled to transparent and responsible leadership”.
In a related development the group applauded the APC administration on efforts made in its fight against corruption and holding public officials accountable citing the prosecution of figures such as Governor Yahaya Bello, Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, and Former Minister Hadi Sirika for corruption charges which sends clear message that no one is above the law”.
However, allowing Abdullahi Ganduje, who is similarly implicated in high-level of corruption, to continue serving as the Acting Chairman of the APC undermines the credibility of President Tinubu’s administration’s anti-corruption stance. It is essential that the fight against corruption remains fair and non-selective. If the government is serious about holding all officials accountable, regardless of their political affiliation, Abdullahi Ganduje must be investigated and prosecuted for his alleged crimes”.
“Ganduje’s continued role as the Acting National Chairman of the APC places him in a powerful position that he could use to influence investigations and obstruct justice. This is a clear conflict of interest, as his involvement in the perversion of the course of justice threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. His ongoing influence within the ruling party only strengthens his ability to suppress accountability and control the narrative surrounding his actions.
We urge you, Mr. President, to immediately remove Abdullahi Ganduje from his position as APC Acting Chairman. He must not be allowed to use his party leadership to shield himself from the consequences of his alleged crimes”.
Ibrahim Garba
Abuja Nigeria
