Kaduna ​‌‍‍‍‍⁠⁠‍‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​govt debunks N2.3trn APC campaign spending claim, cites forgery

The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as fabricated a viral letter alleging that Gov. Uba Sani approved and released N2.3 trillion for the APC presidential campaign flag-off. The government described the purported letter as fraudulent and misleading, accusing its authors of attempting to damage the governor’s reputation for fiscal discipline and responsible governance.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, stated this in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna. Maiyaki said the letter, dated Oct. 18, 2026, and titled “Notification for Preparations for the Grand Rally Flag Off”, contained inconsistencies that questioned its authenticity. He said the purported letter, allegedly addressed to Sen.

Abdulazeez Yari, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, falsely claimed that N2.3 trillion was released for the campaign flag-off. The commissioner noted that Kaduna’s 2026 budget stood at N985.92 billion, making the alleged expenditure more than twice the state’s annual budget. He said the claim was financially implausible and unsupported by any authentic appropriation, approval or expenditure records.

Maiyaki also identified irregularities, including the misspelling of the governor’s surname as “Uba Sai” and the apparent unauthorised reproduction of his signature. “The Kaduna State Government categorically disowns this document. Gov. Uba Sani neither authored nor authorised the purported letter, and no N2.3 trillion was budgeted, approved or released,” he said.

He described the allegation as fictitious and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. Maiyaki said that since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Sani had prioritised fiscal discipline, transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources. He listed investments in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and social protection among the administration’s priorities.

The commissioner expressed concern over what he described as coordinated misinformation aimed at discrediting the governor and his administration ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned that fabricating official correspondence and circulating false financial claims could constitute criminal offences. “Political competition must be conducted within the bounds of truth, decency and the law,” Maiyaki said, urging critics to rely on credible evidence when questioning government expenditure.

He disclosed that steps were being taken to establish the origin of the purported letter. Maiyaki also called on security and investigative agencies to examine the document and ensure that anyone found culpable faced appropriate legal action. He urged media organisations and members of the public to verify documents before circulating or publishing allegations concerning public expenditure.

The commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to peace, institutional strengthening, infrastructure development, citizens’ welfare and sustainable governance. He said the government would remain focused on prudent financial management and would not be distracted by what it described as deliberate misinformation. (NAN)