We never endorsed Ganduje who’s parading stolen mandate –CUPP

Opposition political parties under the aegis of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has refuted reports that it has endorsed Abdullahi Ganduje’s re-election as Kano State governor.

The group said it can never associate itself with ‘illegality’ adding that its position “remains that Ganduje is parading a stolen mandate that will be retrieved from him.”

A group of politicians led by one Isah Nuhu Isah, was said to have paid a solidarity visit to Ganduje and at the event claimed that 42 parties that made up CUPP in the state have dropped their plan to challenge Ganduje’s victory at the just-concluded supplementary election before the tribunal.

Responding in a statement through its first national spokesman, Imo Ugochinyere, on Thursday, CUPP distanced itself from Isah-led group claim.

The statement read, “The national headquarters of the Coalition of United Political Parties has dissociated itself from a group that calls itself the Kano State chapter of the coalition and used its platform to endorse Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

“The group, led by one Isah Nuhu Isah, was said to have paid a solidarity visit to Ganduje during which it claimed that 42 parties that made up the coalition in the state have dropped their plan to challenge Ganduje’s victory at the just-concluded supplementary election before the tribunal.

“We make bold to say that the CUPP is a national coalition formed to work for the emergence of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; and the protection of national interest.

“The coalition is not meant for any state jamboree as being witnessed in Kano. For the avoidance of any doubt, the position of the CUPP remains that Ganduje is parading a stolen mandate that will be retrieved from him.

“The recruitment of APC agents from Ganduje village to come under the name of CUPP to support the stolen mandate he is parading is laughable.

“The coalition, therefore, has not, and will never endorse him because we will not be part of the illegality that foisted him on the people of Kano State, who roundly rejected him as seen during the election.”

CUPP had condemned activities of alleged ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs and electoral irregularities that marred Kano State governorship supplementary election last Saturday.

READ ALSO: A Domineering General, a Wily Power Broker, a Vengeful Populist: The men who failed Atiku

Governor Ganduje, who after the initial March 9 governorship election was trailing the candidate of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however secured more votes during the March 23 re-run election in Kano and was declared winner of the poll.

PDP, which is one of the chief members of the CUPP had since vowed to challenge Ganduje’s emergence in court.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now