Exclusive News
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and front line gubernatorial candidate in Kogi state August 29, 2019 primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi has revealed that he is not going into the election to fight Governor Yahaya Bello, but to serve the interest of Kogi people.
Lulu who picked his expression of Interest form and nomination form in Abuja on Thursday said the interest of the suffering people of Kogi state is exactly what motivated him into the race.
The former FCT Director of Sports who was among the Forum of 20 Governorship Aspirations that kicked against the indirect primary adopted by the national leadership of the party alleging that it was aimed at giving undue advantage to the incumbent, Governor Yahaya Bello, said he has no scores to settle with the incumbent Governor, but to return smiles to the faces of all the citizens.
Lulu said since the people of Kogi state find it necessary to purchase the form for him, he would not rest until he returns smile to their faces.
He explained that it took him time to obtain the forms because he needed to do further consultations, adding that the money for the purchase of the form was paid by the people of Kogi who strongly believe that he has the capacity to transform the state.
“I have done consultations with Kogi elders, youths, women and other relevant stakeholders before picking the forms today. There are elders, youths and women among us. All the three senatorial districts are fully represented. This gives me an impression that the people are behind me.
“The money was not paid by me, it was paid by Kogites. I will be very transparent in giving my best to the state. I now know that people want me to come and give my best just like I have done where I worked before such as FCTA where I was the director of sports, and the NFF where I was president of the board.
“In these places I was so transparent in representing their interests and this accounted for every bit of resources I had.
“Possibly they must have seen how from the deficit of N300 million I saw in the NFF account, I was able to clear the deficit and generated surplus up to N2.8 billion. It is difficult to see this thing happening in any organisation.
“I want to believe that Kogi people have interest in the great work I have done. My wives are there, they are symbolising womanhood and it is a clear intention that we are gender sensitive”, he said.
On the mode of primary adopted by the ruling party to select its flag bearer, Abdulahi urged the party to do what would be acceptable to all, and but added that as a loyal party man he would abide by the decision of the party.
According to him, “You know as aspirants, we had suggested that the indirect primary will be favourable to the incumbent, but I’m a loyal party member and I believe the APC will do what is favourable to all.
“Besides, I am ordained by God and whatever mode of primary that is adopted for the conduct of the election for the emergence of the party ticket bearer, I’m okay with it.”
