The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said claims made by Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, that he funded the 2019 elections in the state were sheer lies.
Secretary of the party in the state, Alhaji Mustapha Ishowo, said this at a news conference, on Thursday, in Ilorin, the state capital.
Alhaji Ishowo, who was also a Principal Officer of the party in 2019, condemned what he called the minister’s ‘dictatorial and divisive tendencies’, saying it was uncharitable for Lai Mohammed to claim that he funded the election campaign of incumbent Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak.
He described Lai Mohammed as a ‘tyrant’ who does not tolerate any opposing views, saying the governor’s crime since the campaign period was to insist on mutual respect, equity, and transparent use of campaign funds.
According to Alhaji Ishowo, “As a party elder, one would have been quiet because it is always important to give room for peace and reconciliation, no matter the situation.
“However, silence in the face of tyranny and naked falsehood may be interpreted as agreement or consent. Having read the interview of Alhaji Lai, the impression is that he has not changed one bit from his old self.
“Alhaji Lai Mohammed is egocentric and always economical with the truth. He is always given to self-promotion and clout chasing.”
According to the APC chieftain, the claims in the interview by the minister were self-serving and not representative of the truth.
He continued, “Alhaji Lai had for long taken advantage of the governor’s coolheaded nature. Maybe it is time to really open the can of worms for the world to better know Alhaji Lai for who he is.
“Alhaji Lai is divisive, territorial, dictatorial, and is never a team player. His claim of funding elections is bogus and typical of his lies. He was nowhere to be found during our campaigns which he not only boycotted but directed all his hirelings to also boycott.
“The then governorship candidate ran and led his own campaign across the state, day and night. This was heavily bankrolled by the candidate himself. He also donated hugely to the campaigns of other candidates, even when he had his own election to run.
“This is the fact, and any claim to the contrary by Alhaji Lai and his followers is synonymous with his widely acclaimed epithet: lie.”
Alhaji Ishowo also narrated that the minister was always promoting factions with his notorious Lai Mohammed Campaign Organisation (LAMCO).
He maintained that “Alhaji Lai Mohammed is an extremely divisive figure who hides under his position to discriminate against and oppress other party elders and members alike.
