By Muhammad Bello
The Director General of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization (APCO), Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has alleged that the opposition political party is amassing money to buy peoples votes ahead of next month’s elections.
Gov. Tambuwal made the assertion on Tuesday in Binji local government area of Sokoto state while on the fourth leg of a statewide campaign on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The state campaign train has so far touched base in seven out of the 23 local government areas of the state: Dange/Shuni, Illela, Kware, Silame, Wamakko, Binji, and Tangaza.
According to Tambuwal, who spoke in Hausa during the rally, the opposition party, which he didn’t mention, is plotting to use the money stolen by its members while in the service of the country, to craftily take away voters cards from eligible voters.
“I also want to call on the people of Sokoto to state that I have got information that those in the other party are going around collecting people’s PVCs. Do not give them your voter’s card. They know that God willing, they have failed the elections, and that is why they are trying to collect your PVCs. If they collect your voter’s card, they won’t return them to you. And, on voting day, it would be difficult for you to vote without your PVCs.
“So, you should not allow anyone to deceive you. They are amassing money for this purpose. They have brought you insecurity and now they want to buy you votes. They did not, as people who hold positions in the federal government, provide security operatives with the wherewithal to protect your lives and property, but they want to use the money they stole to disenfranchise you.
“If they bring the money and you are greedy, collect it from them and vote for the PDP at all levels.
Canvassing for votes for the state PDP gubernatorial candidate, Mallam Saidu Umar (Mallam Ubandoman Sokoto), in both Binji and Tangaza local government areas of the state, Governor Tambuwal assured that all projects started by his administration will be completed by him.
“All the projects we initiated are on course and will be completed, especially the general hospital here in Tangaza. Mallam Ubandoman Sokoto, God willing will take off where we stopped in the areas of societal reorientation and quality infrastructure development in the areas of education, health, rural development, agriculture, and provision of jobs for our teeming youths: men and women.
“As we are here at Gidan Madi town of Tangaza local government area. This is where Gonguno district, where disciples of late, of blessed memory, paid him allegiance, is located,” he said leading a
a special prayer for the repose of the soul of Sheikh Usmanu Danfodio and his disciples, who he recalled had paid allegiance to the Islamic scholar who led the Islamic reawakening in West Africa at the beginning of the 18th century.
“We’re all aware of the strivings of Danfodio and his adherents to bestow a morally upright society for us. In line with this, we initiated the societal reorientation program in the state. God willing, Mallam Ubandoman Sokoto, my successor, God willing, will sustain this program,” he told hundreds of supporters at Gidan Madi town.
In his remarks at the campaign grounds in the two towns, the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Mallam Saidu Umar (Mallam Ubandoma Sokoto) expressed appreciation to the people for their spiritual and political support of the party.
“We are not particularly here for electioneering campaign, but to thank you. First and foremost, Binji is the center of the Danfodio Islamic reawakening movement, so any blessing that flows from the strivings of Danfodio should be sought here. I also thank you for your support to us in 2019; your backing since we kickstarted this campaign.
He reiterated his willingness to sustain the legacies of the Tambuwal administration as he pledges to improve on them as well.
Bello is Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor
