By: Ayoade Esther Damola
The All Progressives Congress (APC) have rejected the position of the Kwankwasiyya faction of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) accusing Kano state government of influencing court proceedings, describing the claim as false and defamatory.
In a statement issued by APC spokesperson in Kano, Auwalu Soja Gwale, said the allegation, reportedly made by factional Spokesperson of NNPP Ibrahim Karaye, lacked evidence and was aimed at discrediting the judiciary.
The APC specifically denied claims that the state government paid huge sums to influence proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, demanding immediate retraction.
The statement further issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Karaye and the NNPP to retract the allegation, tender a public apology and desist from making similar claims. It warned that failure to comply would result in legal action for defamation.
It described the allegation as “false, malicious and legally indefensible,” stressing that the Kano State Government has never interfered with judicial processes.
According to the statement, the claim was part of a pattern of what it called “reckless rhetoric” by elements within the NNPP whenever political outcomes do not favour them.
The APC urged the Kwankwasiyya faction of NNPP to focus on resolving its internal leadership disputes, citing ongoing litigations involving factions linked to Boniface Aniebonam and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso rather than interfering on frivolous matter.
They said it was inappropriate for a party embroiled in internal crises to accuse the judiciary of corruption without proof. The APC reaffirmed commitment to the rule of law and urged the public to disregard the allegation, describing it as baseless.
Both the opposition and ruling APC have recently embroiled in counter accusations and war of wards over political differences since the realignment of the Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Prior to the recent alleged defamatory comments, the Kwankwasiyya had accused APC of orchestrating unrest during its political engagement in Rogo local government area of the state, another allegation the ruling party refuted.
