Adamu Garba, one of the presidential aspirants on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has withdrawn from next year’s presidential race.
Mr Garba who raked over N80 million from well-wishers and supporters told BBC Hausa that he withdrew from the crowded race because his party has commercialised the process.
The ruling party had pegged the price of its expression of interest and nomination forms at N100 million. A withdrawal letter which also prevents aspirants from seeking redress in court was also attached to the “outrageous” form.
The ruling party’s chieftain, who declared his intention on April 18, said he will refund the money to those who donated it once they send their means of payment and identification to him.
“I see this (fee) as an outrageous and unnecessary way of getting money for the party,” Mr Garba lamented. “They have turned it into a business venture and it’s unacceptable. They don’t consider your capacity or what you’ve done for the development of the party.
“I’ve consulted widely, and I’ll not be consulting because I’ll not get money from well-wishers and still go-ahead to purchase forms at such an outrageous fee. I’m against financialising the political space in the country because I want us as the youth not to set a bad precedent that will make it difficult for the youth and the poor candidates to contest in an election.
“I want to request those who donated online and who require a refund send an email with evidence of payment on the attached document to assure you of a complete refund upon request,” he added.
