APC elders forum oppose Audu’s nomination

THERE was palpable tension within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress, weekend, as the Kogi APC Concerned Elders’ Forum called the party leadership and President Muhammadu Buhari to replace of the Governorship Candidate of the party, Prince Abubakar Audu, if the party wants to win the November 21, 2015 election.

In a statement by their secretary, Alhaji Danjuma Shuaibu, the  elders raised 10 posers bothering on corruption and integrity, arguing that the party will be letting down the people with Audu’s candidature.


“Mr. President, our party the APC gave Nigerians the opportunity to showcase their genuine patriotism and humble contributions to the greatness of their fatherland. Today, that election has not only found a space in our history it has importantly ushered in new hope of a democratic governance and a new hope of a prosperous future found in a new leader, Buhari that is laden with experience and integrity, vision, patriotism, selflessness and the fear of God.

“Many Kogites had expected that the revolutions that happened at the centre would be replicated in our dear state beginning with our primary election. But what they got from the screening committee of the party was a total mockery of a democratic process. The screening exercise was generally regarded as unjust, unfair and totally unacceptable.

“Even if we ignore the inducement and reckless electoral manipulations that characterized the party screening, the heavy moral burden associated with the outcome of the exercise calls for a deeper refection.

“There are so many questions that our people have asked us as leaders concerning the personality and disposition of Audu who was cleared by APC screening committee to contest the primary election which we do not have immediate answer.

“People are also asking us questions that bother on the integrity of our party. For example, they are concerned that the rule that was used by the party leadership to disqualify Hon. Samuel Aro from contesting the Senatorial seat in the last general election was not applied in the case of Prince Abubakar Audu. To disqualify Aro, the screening committee stated that “Since Hon. Aro Samuel Bamidele responded to question (5) on the Senate nomination form, which states that: Do you have any pending criminal trial? He has submitted himself to the supremacy and prerogative of the party to determine who carries the flag of the party. Furthermore, no reasonable political party will field a risky aspirant with possible baggage of future legal disabilities”, the statement reads.

The elders of the party in the state urged the party to do what is needful in order to enhance its chances and portray the party as a true anti-corruption crusader. It also described the choice of Hon. Abiodun Faleke as deputy governorship candidate a ‘divisive move.’

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