Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District, has demanded a retraction and public apology from Alhaji Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, the Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), over alleged defamatory remarks.
The demand follows accusations aired on Freedom Radio and circulated on social media, claiming Senator Sumaila engaged in corrupt practices, election manipulation, and political misconduct.
In a letter from Senator Sumaila’s legal representatives, Aliyu & Musa (SAN), the allegations against him were labeled as “reckless” and “libelous.”
The letter stated that the allegations, made in Hausa, falsely accused Senator Sumaila of diverting funds intended for water and stadium projects in Sumaila Local Government during his tenure as a House of Representatives member.
It also claimed he accepted $80 million from Hon. Abubakar Kabiru Bichi to rig the 2023 Kano gubernatorial election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Our client is a politician with a political career free from allegations of corruption, money laundering, or election rigging,” the letter read.
The letter emphasized that Senator Sumaila has not been implicated in corrupt practices, election fraud, or other misconduct during his career, which includes serving three terms in the House of Representatives, acting as the Deputy Minority Leader, and serving as a Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters.
The statement noted that since the broadcast of the accusations, Senator Sumaila has received calls and messages from the public expressing concern and seeking clarification.
Senator Sumaila has demanded that the NNPP Chairman: Retract the allegations within 24 hours of receiving the letter; Publicize the retraction as widely as the original statements; and Issue a public apology in two national newspapers.
Failure to comply with these demands, according to the legal notice, may lead Senator Sumaila to pursue legal action.
