Lawan Camp Rejects Kafayos’ Allegations, Defends APC Primary Disqualification Process
The media office of Senator Ahmad Lawan has dismissed allegations made by All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Hassan Hussaini Kafayos regarding his disqualification from the party’s Yobe North Senatorial District primary election, describing the claims as misleading, unfounded, and contrary to established legal procedures.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Senator Lawan’s Media Adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, the senator’s camp criticized Kafayos for making public comments on a matter currently before the court, despite acknowledging that the case is sub judice.
According to the statement, once a dispute has been submitted for judicial determination, all parties involved are expected to avoid public statements that could influence, prejudice, or undermine the judicial process.
Lawan Not Responsible for Screening Process
The statement also refuted claims that Senator Lawan played any role in Kafayos’ disqualification from the APC primary election. It emphasized that the nomination and selection of candidates are the exclusive responsibilities of political parties, as provided under Nigeria’s Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The Lawan camp maintained that the senator neither constituted nor controlled the party’s screening committee, making attempts to hold him responsible for the disqualification inappropriate. It further argued that there was no legal basis for naming Senator Lawan as a defendant in the ongoing court case.
Electoral Record Cited as Evidence of Public Support
Responding to suggestions that Yobe North constituents were seeking new leadership, the statement pointed to the results of the 2023 general election. According to the senator’s media office, Lawan secured 91,318 votes, significantly ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who polled 22,849 votes.
The statement said the election outcome demonstrated the confidence and trust the electorate continue to place in Senator Lawan’s leadership, dismissing claims to the contrary as unsupported by official electoral records.
Highlighting Legislative and Constituency Achievements
The Lawan camp also defended the senator’s performance in office, citing various infrastructure projects, employment opportunities, empowerment initiatives, and federal interventions attracted to Yobe North during his tenure.
Additionally, the statement highlighted Senator Lawan’s service as President of the Ninth Senate from 2019 to 2023, describing the period as one marked by legislative stability and the successful passage of significant national laws.
Claims of Personal Support to Kafayos
The statement further alleged that Kafayos had overlooked what it described as Senator Lawan’s longstanding personal support to him and his family.
According to the media office, the senator facilitated sponsorship opportunities that enabled Kafayos’ wife to pursue both Master’s and doctoral degree programmes in the United States. It also claimed that Lawan assisted a nominee recommended by Kafayos in securing employment with the Senate Public Accounts Committee in 2022.
Call for Respect for Judicial Process
Concluding its response, the Lawan camp described the allegations against the senator as an attempt to damage his reputation through unverified claims. It urged all parties involved to respect the judicial process and allow the courts to determine the matter.
The statement reaffirmed that Senator Ahmad Lawan remains committed to providing effective representation for the people of Yobe North while the legal proceedings continue.
No comments:
Post a Comment