The Coalition for Truth and Justice has exonerated The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje of allegations of corruption.
The Coalition made this known in its preliminary report on the purported probe of the former Kano State Governor.
In the report signed by its convener Dr Okwa Dan, the Coalition said from its findings, there was an intense campaign aimed at character assassination and mischief against Ganduje.
The Coalition added that the alleged evidence presented against Ganduje on supposed bribery lacks the necessary clarity and direct linkage to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The group therefore, warned against the use of state apparatus to witch-hunt perceived political opponents.
“The Coalition for Trust and Justice wishes to use this medium to inform members of the public of the smear campaign, which does not reflect the realities on the ground with the allegations,” the statement said.
“The allegations remain a figment of the imaginations of its proponents, who have recently deployed enormous resources in the diatribe against Dr Umar Ganduje. It is instructive to note that Dr Umar Ganduje is targeted because of his position as the National Chairman of the APC, which has witnessed proactive leadership in managing the affairs of the APC.
“To ensure we are not weighing in on the wrong side of history, the Coalition for Truth and Justice (CTJ) diligently examined the allegations of corruption levelled against Dr. Umar Ganduje,). Our preliminary findings are based on rigorous research, legal analysis, and adherence to principles of natural justice.
“The bribery allegations against Dr. Ganduje are serious and should have ordinarily merit thorough investigation. However, the allegations must be approached with fairness and objectivity, not the kind of lynch mob that the incumbent Kano State Government has convened. Our research reveals that the evidence presented lacks the necessary clarity and direct linkage to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The group further said Dr. Ganduje, like any other citizen, enjoys the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. “As a result, we, place it on record that allegations alone do not constitute guilt. The burden of proof lies with the accusers.”
