HURIWA seeks action on Lagos APC Reps candidate allegedly arrested by EFCC
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State on the final choice of its candidates for the 2023 general elections.
The rights group stated this while reacting to an alleged arrest of an APC House of Representatives candidate by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
HURIWA in a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko said: “The alleged arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Lanre Sanusi, who is contesting for Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over fraud–related crime after a logistics company, called 4runner limited made a petition against him, should be of interest to the ruling party so someone with a baggage ethically and morally is not presented as a candidate for a very critical position of a national lawmaker.”
The group also asked the national hierarchy of the party to probe the report that 4runner Limited, which is a shipping company, alleged that it had a deal with Mr. Sanusi to transport COVID-19 materials, including face masks; hand sanitizers, among others.
HURIWA affirmed that if the allegations against Sanusi are verified to be true, the party should substitute his name with the legally allowed person with the next highest number of votes at the APC primary election.
“It is preposterous if the APC will sponsor someone with such a huge crime related allegations hanging on his neck to seek for elective post to become a national lawmaker.
“The candidature of this man allegedly in conflict with the law shows that certain forces working within the APC’s national headquarters may be fraudulent and compromised. How would you defend this before the politically conscious Nigerians? Clearly the party’s screening exercise was cosmetic and pure deceit. How would electorates trust your party?
“The height of the fundamental issues bedeviling the said Lanre Sanusi’s political aspiration is the recent report in some sections of online media and various media organisations. This is presently destroying the party and will definitely affect the chances of your party at all levels. Going into election with a damaged image candidate would cost your party the victory expected, assuming the allegations are verified,” HURIWA said.
