Niger rep: I never boasted about influencing court decision on APC primary

Abdullahi Garba, a member of the house of representatives from Niger State, has denied saying he would influence the decision of the high court in the state over his reelection bid.

A group under the aegis of Niger Against Corruption had accused the lawmaker representing Kontagora/Mariga Wushishi/Mashegu federal constituency of the state of boasting that he would secure a favourable verdict in court.

The outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in the constituency is being contested in court.

Reacting via a statement, Garba said at no time did he comment on the case.

He said he had no reason to “go about boasting of securing a favorable outcome” over a matter which is already before a court.

“How can I as a lawmaker representing the good people of my constituency make such comment on a matter that is before the court,” he said in the statement issued on Thursday.

“I think it is a campaign of calumny against me to instigated the people and the judiciary against me, and to also tarnish my image, but I can assure you  it will not work.”

He said those behind the reported claim are “jealous of my rising political profile bent on using all avenues including lies to pull me down.”

The lawmaker called on his supporters to discountenance the claim by the group and work towards the victory of APC in the federal, state and local government levels.