Kano NNPP guber candidate distances self from crowdfunding

The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Abba K. Yusuf, has dispelled a rumour making the rounds that he consented to crowdfund of N1,000 from his supporters.

In a statement signed by his spokesman, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, and made available to The Guardian in Kano, yesterday, Abba distanced himself from collecting any money from his supporters to finance his campaign.

Yusuf, who denied authorising anybody in the said viral video clip to collect money on his behalf, described the rumour as mischievous and deliberate efforts by some mischief-makers to tarnish his image and that of NNPP in the state.

“The attention of Abba Kabir Yusuf, the NNPP gubernatorial candidate for Kano State 2023, has been drawn to a mischievous video clip circulating virally in the social media that he consented to crowdfund of N1,000 from interested individuals and the members of the public.

“We wish to inform the good people of Kano State, particularly members of our great party, the NNPP, to disregard the content of the video as a mere campaign of calumny orchestrated by some ill-behaved individuals within the opposition political circle,” the statement stated.

Yusuf further said that he was only aware of a group called Friends of Abba Gida Gida, which was formed by his associates from various Nigerian universities, other higher institutions, legal professionals and those from the business community to support him in 2023.

“It is worthy to note that his Excellency is aware of the existence of Friends of Abba Gida Gida as a group of his associates from various Nigerian universities, other higher institutions, legal professionals and those from the business community.

“Thus, by this press statement, I wish to make it categorically clear that he has never initiated any fundraising on his 2023 campaign activities which are yet to pick up.

“We remained resolute and totally committed to salvaging Kano State from the unfortunate situation which the people of the state found themselves under the present leadership,” he said.