The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has raised concerns about the alleged misuse of local government funds to finance the upcoming local government elections. The party has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the Kano State Ministry for Local Government over these claims.
In a statement issued by the APC’s Kano State Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the party alleged that the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) is orchestrating plans to divert council funds to support its candidates in the forthcoming elections. Abbas claimed that the NNPP-led administration is aiming to exploit civil servants, specifically the Directors of Personnel Management (DPMs) who serve as accounting officers, to misuse public funds for electoral purposes.
“We urge the EFCC and ICPC to closely monitor the activities of the 44 local government councils and carry out a forensic audit to ensure public funds are not tampered with,” Abbas stated.
He also called for the anti-graft agencies to summon the recently dissolved caretaker chairmen and the DPMs to account for their recent expenditures. This, he said, would prevent any potential misuse or looting of public resources for the local elections.
Abbas further recalled a similar situation in 2015, during which the former governor, Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, allegedly diverted N30.8 billion from the 44 local government councils to fund his presidential campaign.
The APC’s call for action comes as tensions rise ahead of the local government elections, with the opposition party accusing the NNPP of repeating past political manipulations. The EFCC and ICPC are yet to respond to the APC’s request for intervention.
