The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Ayawaso East, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, has denied allegations that he distributed television sets and boiled eggs to delegates during the party’s parliamentary primary held on February 7.
His denial comes amid growing controversy over the conduct of the primary, which he won after contesting against four other aspirants.
Following the election, allegations of vote-buying and vote-selling emerged, prompting the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to open investigations into the claims. The allegations have since sparked intense public debate, raising questions about the integrity of the internal party contest.
Although Baba Jamal had earlier acknowledged giving television sets to delegates, describing them as mere gifts, he has now distanced himself from claims that he personally shared televisions or offered any inducements during the primary.
Speaking to TV3 two days after the polls, Baba Jamal said the allegations only came to his attention after the election and insisted he had no knowledge of any such activities.
“I also heard it after the election that some TVs were shared. And now, do you know the problem I have? Now everybody is coming to my office asking for a TV and I don’t have a TV. They are all now coming here; everybody wants a TV, and I don’t have TVs because I have none.”
The High Commissioner to Nigeria further distanced himself from individuals alleged to have been involved in the distribution of the television sets, stating that he neither knew them nor had any dealings with them.
According to Baba Jamal, his knowledge of the matter was limited to hearing names mentioned in public discussions, without any personal interaction or confirmation.
“Those who dealt with it, I don’t know [them]. Actually, do you know the people you are talking about, I don’t even know them, I have not seen them. I have heard the names. I know the names but I have not even seen them as I talk to you now.”
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