Former Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm (Mrs) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, has called on the public to disregard a circulating report alleging that she offered N100 million to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure the party's ticket for the House of Representatives in the Alimosho Federal Constituency.
Statement Denying Allegations
In a statement released by her media office over the weekend, Akinbile-Yussuf, who served as a two-time commissioner in Lagos State, described the report as malicious and baseless. She emphatically stated, "I did not bribe any leader of The Mandate Movement (TMM) or anybody. I do not need bribery to emerge as a candidate for the House of Representatives (APC). I have served faithfully."
Characterization of the Allegations
The aspirant further asserted that the entirety of the allegations is not only unfounded and childish but also reveals the nature and character of the persons and evil elements behind them. According to her, the fake news was generated by other groups that lack genuine interest in the party. She added, "The people are also well-known for their political brigandage and desperation for political relevance. We will never respond to the malicious allegations again, as it will only make the individuals behind it more popular."
Smear Campaign Warning
Akinbile-Yussuf warned that the masterminds of the bribe-for-ticket allegations have a sinister plot to further incite the public against her and other party leaders through misinformation and a smear campaign in the days ahead, using contrived audio-visuals, photographs, and technology-generated images.
Reaffirming Loyalty and Relationships
She reaffirmed her loyalty to the leadership of the APC, noting that Bisi Yusuf remains the apex leader of the party in the Alimosho Federal Constituency and that her respect for Yusuf's leadership remains unchanged. Additionally, she described her relationship with the incumbent House of Representatives member, Ganiyu Adele Ayuba, as cordial, stating that her aspiration has been encouraged by positive feedback from her interactions with constituents during her recent consultation tour of the constituency.
