The race for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) seems to have taken a new twist as the party’s National Vice Chairman (Northwest), Salihu Lukman, has alleged that some aspirants are resorting to bribery to gain the upper hand.
Lukman made this revelation during a brief chat with reporters in Abuja on Thursday.
He claimed that some aspirants are offering members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) bribes in exchange for their support.
According to Lukman, these aspirants are using items like rice, sugar, and other things as bait to win the support of the NWC members.
He expressed his disappointment at the turn of events, noting that this is not in line with the party’s values and principles.
The APC National Vice Chairman also warned that the party would not hesitate to sanction anyone found to be engaging in such acts.
He stressed that the party’s leadership would not condone any form of misconduct or unethical behavior, especially in the run-up to such an important election.
While acknowledging that the party has a responsibility to ensure a free and fair contest, Lukman urged aspirants to desist from such acts and allow the process to run its course.
He emphasized that the party’s leadership would not be swayed by any form of inducement and would do everything within its power to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
The allegation of bribery in the run-up to the 10th National Assembly leadership election is not a new phenomenon in Nigerian politics.
The use of inducements to secure the support of key stakeholders has been a common practice among politicians in the country.
