Kwara state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted the claims by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed that he funded the 2019 general elections in the state.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the APC secretary, Alhaji Mustapha Ishowo, who was also a principal officer of the party in 2019, said it was uncharitable for Alhaji Lai to claim to fund the election campaign of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
Ishowo, who called for loyalty and support among members of the party, said the state governor’s crime since the campaign period was to insist on mutual respect, equity, and transparent use of campaign funds.
“As a party elder, one would have been quiet because it is always important to give room for peace and reconciliation, no matter the situation. However, silence in the face of tyranny and naked falsehood may be interpreted as agreement or consent. Having read the interview of Alhaji Lai, the impression is that he has not changed one bit from his old self.
According to the party chieftain, the claims in the interview by the minister were self-serving and not representative of the truth.
“Alhaji Lai had for long taken advantage of the governor’s coolheaded nature. Maybe it is time to really open the can of worms for the world to better know Alhaji Lai for who he is.
“His claim of funding elections is bogus. He was nowhere to be found during our campaigns which he not only boycotted but directed all his supporters to also boycot.
“The then governorship candidate ran and led his own campaign across the state, day and night. This was heavily bankrolled by the candidate himself. He also donated hugely to the campaigns of other candidates, even when he had his own election to run. This is the fact.
“Alhaji Lai Mohammed’s claim that he funded the APC election campaign in 2019 is a fallacy.
The claim that he bankrolled the governor’s campaign is an empty boast that every serious party member and elder knows to be false.
