Idris Makanta, an African Democratic Congress gubernatorial hopeful in Niger State, has flatly rejected claims of involvement in alleged N3 billion rice contract fraud. His media team released a statement on Monday dismissing the accusations as entirely false and fabricated.
Reports had surfaced suggesting Makanta faced mounting pressure to exit the race over the contract allegation. But Makanta told journalists the claim was designed to undermine his rising prominence across Niger State.
"Their efforts have failed woefully," he stated. According to him, no rice contract fraud involving himself and Niger State Government or any other body exists anywhere.
Makanta challenged those spreading the allegations to produce concrete proof. "We dare the purveyors of this falsehood to provide credible evidence," he said in the statement.
He further insisted he isn't facing any pressure to withdraw his candidacy for the 2027 elections. Makanta remains confident of clinching the ADC ticket, his team confirmed.
"There is no pressure from any quarter for him to step back," his media office added. He's staying in the race, they insisted.
