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A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Farouk Aliyu, stated that the ruling party had hoped to win the recent gubernatorial election in Anambra State.
Aliyu expressed these views on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, amidst concerns that Nigeria is trending towards a one-party system.
He clarified that there was no agreement between the Federal Government and any state to enforce political alignment, emphasizing that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s choice to support President Bola Tinubu was made autonomously.
He acknowledged that the APC participated in the Anambra election and was defeated, noting that the results should be accepted as part of the democratic process.
Aliyu also refuted claims that anti-corruption agencies were being used against opposition members, asserting that the prosecutions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) were based on accusations and evidence, rather than party loyalty.
He remarked: “Regarding a one-party state, it is quite subjective because there is absolutely no coercion. Your colleague who left before I arrived mentioned the situation in Anambra State. There is no agreement between our government and any of these states.
“In his discretion, Governor Soludo chose to support Mr. President. We would have preferred to win Anambra State, which indicates that our party, the APC, should have succeeded in that election. We lost, and that is the reality.
“So, when any of these governors approach us, do we tell them, ‘No, don’t join us?’ There is no coercion involved.
“And if anyone claims to be targeted by the anti-corruption agencies, the pertinent question to ask is: Are there valid grounds? Is it accurate? Are there allegations? These remain allegations.
“Currently, there are senior members of our party, the APC, who have faced prosecution by the EFCC or ICPC. However, this is part of the political landscape. While I understand their perspective, they can express whatever they wish, but there is no evidence to suggest that we are using the EFCC against anyone in this country.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Farouk Aliyu say about the APC's hopes for the Anambra election?
Farouk Aliyu mentioned that the APC had hoped to win the gubernatorial election in Anambra State but accepted the outcome as part of the democratic process.
Did Aliyu claim there was coercion in political alignments?
No, Aliyu emphasized that there was no coercion involved between the Federal Government and any state regarding political alignment.
How did Aliyu respond to allegations about anti-corruption agencies?
He dismissed the allegations, stating that prosecutions by the EFCC and ICPC were based on evidence and allegations, not party affiliation.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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