By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
THE leadership of ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Sokoto state on Thursday, came under strong criticisms with knocks by the state chapter of opposition All Progressive Party (APC) for colluding with traditional institutions to canvass for political support.
The opposition APC in a statement made available to reporters in Sokoto by its spokesman, Alhaji Bello Danchadi, alleged that Governor Aminu Tambuwal has embarked on tour of all traditional rulers, Imams and other community title holders on the mission across the state.
” It is glaring that PDP are making desperate efforts to cling to power against the wishes of the generality of our people.
“By the moves, PDP now resort to dragging the traditional institutions into partisan politics” Danchadi alleged.
” Incontrovertible evidences have shown that Governor Tambuwal visit individual residences of community leaders and direct them to support the PDP as a party and its candidates” Danchadi added.
Danchadi explained that APC regards traditional and religious institutions with high esteem as they are custodians of culture and religion would continue to protect their interest and integrity.
“Our traditional rulers are our fathers who are expected to remain politically neutral, with their subjects enjoy the freedom of choice guaranteed under the nation’s constitution.” Danchadi stressed.
Meanwhile, the Director General Media and Public Affairs to the governor, Alhaji Abubakar Shekara could not be reached to respond to the issue.
But when contacted, Malam Abdullahi Hausawa, the PDP Public Relations Officer (PRO) described the allegation as untrue explaining that the visits by Governor Tambuwal were for consultations on security situation in the state.
” We all know that the governor is the Chief security officer in the state”, he stressed.