Gombe APC raises the alarm over smear campaign
By Chima Azubuike
Gombe State All Progressives Congress Campaign Council on Monday raised the alarm over what it described as smear efforts of the opposition to tarnish the incumbent Governor’s image Muhammadu Yahaya, and his associates in a bid to woo voters as a last minute resort.
According to Ismaila Misilli, Director, Media & Publicity APC Campaign Council, the opposition wanted to capitalise on the extension to score cheap political points.
The statement did not state the exact political party and the smear campaign. However, our correspondent recalls that there have been release of recorded telephone conversations with the governor as well as past audio-visuals which brings Yahaya in bad light.
The statement partly read, “It has come to the attention of the Gombe State APC Campaign Council that some unscrupulous elements in the opposition in the state have concluded plans to come up with concerted smear campaigns against Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who is the governorship candidate of our party, in the coming days.
“We have credible intelligence that those opposition elements are working in cohort with their paymasters to dish out outright falsehood against our candidate and other party chieftains as part of their last attempts to hoodwink the Gombe electorate who have since made up their minds to reelect Governor Inuwa for a second term.
“Having seen the handwriting on the wall that they stand no chance in the rescheduled governorship and state assembly elections, which will now hold on March 18, these enemies of Gombe people have engaged the services of some political jobbers to execute their evil plot.
“We in the Gombe State APC Campaign Council have deemed it necessary to bring this to the attention of the Gombe people and urge them to disregard any such falsehood in any kind.”
While restating it commitment to peace, the Council urged residents not to pay attention to the antics of the opposition, adding that with the usual support Yahaya would triumph.
“We wish to reiterate that Governor Inuwa Yahaya remains resolute and deeply committed to continue with his good governance that will ensure a better Gombe for all the people of Gombe State and beyond. On this, his resolve remains unwavering.
“We call on the general public not to give in to the opposition’s hateful political propaganda and campaigns of incitement that threaten our peaceful coexistence.
“Gombe is reputed for its political non-violence, tolerance and stability. We must therefore approach elections as a family affair, devoid of rancor, ill-will and bitterness.
“This is to also caution those planning such evil to shelve their plot as the people of Gombe are solidly behind Governor Inuwa Yahaya and will give him a second mandate on Saturday, March 18, In Sha Allah,” Misilli added.
