A coalition of 51 anti-corruption groups has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and the current national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The coalition, known as the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA), submitted a formal petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on November 4, demanding swift action.
The EFCC acknowledged receipt of the petition on November 7, raising anticipation of possible action against Ganduje.
The petition lists multiple allegations of bribery, misappropriation, and corruption spanning Ganduje’s tenure as Kano governor from 2015 to 2023.
Among the accusations, NACA claims Ganduje conspired to divert over ₦57.43 billion meant for the 44 local government areas in Kano State.
According to the coalition, these funds were allegedly used to purchase luxurious properties both within Nigeria and abroad.
The petition, co-signed by NACA’s convener Dr. Johnson Nebechi and spokesperson Comrade Umar Ideresu, paints a grim picture of Ganduje’s time in office.
“Ganduje’s history of corruption is well-documented,” the petition states, citing a notorious 2018 incident.
In that year, an online newspaper, Daily Nigerian published a video allegedly showing Ganduje accepting $5 million in bribes from contractors.
The video caused public outcry and was a significant blow to Ganduje’s administration, casting a shadow of scandal over his time as governor.
Despite widespread demands for accountability, Ganduje remained in office and continued to deny the allegations.
More recently, in 2023, the Kano State government filed fresh charges against him, accusing him of fraud and economic crimes.
This charge is part of a broader investigation led by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC).
The commission had previously invited Ganduje for questioning, but he reportedly declined to appear.
The Kano State High Court scheduled Ganduje’s arraignment on April 17, 2024, on eight counts related to an alleged $413,000 bribe and the misappropriation of ₦1.38 billion.
NACA’s petition insists that the EFCC must not let this case fall through.
They emphasized that the Nigerian people deserve transparency, justice, and accountability, particularly from public officials.
“We urge the EFCC to uphold its mandate to combat corruption and protect public interests,” the coalition wrote.
They stressed that the alleged diversion of ₦57.43 billion is a serious crime that requires urgent action and thorough investigation.
The coalition also highlighted the breadth of witnesses ready to testify against Ganduje.
These witnesses are anticipated to reveal details of alleged financial misconduct, including illegal fund transfers, conversion of government funds to cash, and currency laundering.
NACA argued that Ganduje’s alleged actions have contributed to the financial struggles in Kano State, depriving communities of essential services and resources.
“Ganduje’s administration has been plagued by accusations of cronyism, nepotism, and embezzlement,” the petition continued.
They claimed that Ganduje used his position to funnel public funds into private ventures and strengthen personal relationships at the expense of Kano’s economy.
The coalition warned that failing to act could further erode public trust in the government’s ability to tackle corruption.
They appealed to the EFCC to lead by example and set a standard for accountability in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian people deserve transparency, accountability, and justice,” NACA stated, adding that the EFCC has a responsibility to act with integrity and determination.
The group concluded by calling for the full recovery of all allegedly misappropriated funds and insisted that Ganduje face the full force of the law.
NACA’s petition is part of a growing wave of anti-corruption activism, particularly targeting high-profile officials accused of abusing power.
