A coalition of civic groups has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to ensure a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption against him.
The coalition, comprising the Umbrella of Kano Concerned Civil Society Groups and the Astute Civil Society for Cultural and Humanity Development, issued a statement on Monday, urging anti-graft agencies to probe Ganduje’s tenure as Governor of Kano State.
The statement issued by the groups’ Executive Director, Comr. Ibrahim Ali, allege that Ganduje engaged in large-scale embezzlement, bribery, and financial mismanagement during his time in office.
Allegations of Corruption
The allegations include claims that Ganduje and his family misappropriated N1.38 billion meant for COVID-19 medical supplies and accepted bribes totaling $413,000 from government contracts. The coalition also accused Ganduje of using personal businesses, such as Safari Textiles Ltd and Lamash Properties Ltd, to facilitate corrupt practices.
“These allegations are not only damaging but also undermine public trust in governance,” the statement read. “It is essential for justice to be served and for those implicated to be held accountable.”
Conflict of Interest and Call for Immediate Action
The groups expressed concerns about Ganduje’s current position as APC Acting National Chairman, suggesting it could obstruct justice. “Allowing him to maintain such a powerful position while facing serious allegations threatens the integrity of the nation’s anti-corruption efforts,” they said.
The coalition called on President Tinubu to take immediate action, stating that failure to act decisively could harm the credibility of his administration’s anti-corruption agenda.
Request for Federal Intervention
The groups urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to take over the investigation. They argued that federal oversight is crucial to ensure impartiality and thoroughness.
“These are not just state-level offenses but also federal crimes involving money laundering, bribery, and abuse of office,” the statement added. “The scale of the alleged corruption requires a comprehensive federal response.”
A Broader Fight Against Corruption
The coalition highlighted the prosecution of other high-profile officials, including former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele and former Minister Hadi Sirika, as examples of the administration’s commitment to tackling corruption.
“However, allowing Ganduje to remain in his position undermines these efforts. Anti-corruption measures must be non-selective to restore public trust,” the groups said.
“The coalition outlined three key demands that include; immediate removal of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as APC Acting National Chairman, a directive for federal anti-corruption agencies to investigate and prosecute Ganduje and his family, and assurance of transparency and impartiality in handling the case.”
The statement urged President Tinubu to act swiftly, emphasizing the importance of fairness and accountability in governance.
“The people of Nigeria are watching. This is an opportunity to set a precedent for good governance and the rule of law,” the groups concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Ganduje nor the APC had issued a response to the allegations.