By Safiu Kehinde
The Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke has shrugged off talks surrounding his interest in the Kogi State governorship race.
Reacting to a report that some of his close associates purchased the APC governorship nomination forms on his behalf, the lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency published a statement to his Twitter page on Saturday evening to clear the air over the issue.
According to Faleke, while he appreciates the good intentions behind the gesture, he is, however, more interested in ensuring the victory of the APC at the presidential polls billed to hold next Saturday.
He wrote, “Good evening all. I got information while I was in Borno rally today as to the collection of APC Kogi Governorship Form on my behalf by some of my friends in the state.
“While I thank them for their gesture and good intentions, I wish to state that what is before us all in the country now is the Presidential Election which is a burning issue and of which I’m deeply involved like all others.
“I therefore wish to say that all issues relating to the Kogi election coming up in November 2023 should be kept out and not distract us from the main agenda of the coming elections which is very paramount.
“Finally I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the people of the state.”
The Independent had reported that Faleke’s bosom friend, one Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar (popularly known Sanusi Gamji) from Kogi Central, bought the APC governorship form on his behalf from the National Secretariat.
Evidence of payment for the form was also leaked in the publication with Alhaji Sanusi reportedly backing his decision to purchase the form for the Kogi West indigene as an attempt to ensure “equity, justice, and fair play in the State”.
Recall that Faleke was the APC governorship candidate during 2015 Kogi gubernatorial election before the ticket holder, Abubakar Audu, died.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the election inconclusive on account of over voting.
Faleke challenged the party’s decision to nominate Yahaya Bello as its new candidate for a supplementary election, which was won by the latter.
After a prolonged legal tussle at the high court and the appeal court, the Supreme Court upheld Bello’s election.
