The African Democratic Congress gubernatorial aspirant in Niger State, Idris Makanta, has denied involvement in an alleged N3 billion rice contract fraud.
In a statement by his media office on Monday, Makanta stated that the claim is fabricated and false.
Recall that reports emerged that the aspirant is under pressure to withdraw over alleged N3 billion rice contract fraud.
However, reacting, Makanta, said the claim was targeted at demystifying his growing popularity in Niger State.
“Their efforts have, however, failed woefully,” stated.
He clarified that, “For the avoidance of doubt, there is no ‘rice contract fraud’ involving Malam Idris Usman Makanta and the Niger State Government or any other institution whatsoever. We challenge the purveyors of this falsehood to provide credible evidence to substantiate their claims.”
Makanta further added that he is not under any pressure to withdraw his candidacy to secure an ADC ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We wish to reaffirm that there is no pressure from any quarter for Malam Idris Usman Makanta to withdraw from the race. He remains optimistic and confident of securing the ADC ticket.”