APC Launches Probe into Alleged Palliative Diversion, Clears Woman Leader

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched an investigation into allegations of diversion and sale of palliatives and empowerment materials meant for grassroots women, while distancing its National Woman Leader, Dr. Mary Idele Alile, from the controversy.

The party said it was working to identify an alleged impostor accused of exploiting Alile’s identity to deceive women and perpetrate fraud involving materials allocated to party support groups.

The investigation follows allegations that wrappers, food items and other empowerment materials meant for women were diverted, repackaged and offered for sale in open markets instead of being distributed to the intended beneficiaries.

In a clarification contained in a statement signed on Saturday by the APC National Legal Adviser, Barrister Murtala Aliyu Kankia, the party said the individual linked to the earlier allegations was not its recognised National Woman Leader.

It explained that the person in question was allegedly impersonating Alile, warning against attributing the alleged activities to the party official.

Amb. Aisha Abdullahi Hudu of the APC Women Support Group Directorate also dismissed any suggestion of Alile’s involvement, identifying her as the Director of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Women Mobilisation Directorate for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

Hudu maintained that allegations surrounding the diversion of palliatives, the movement of materials to Edo State and the alleged commercialisation of empowerment programmes should not be linked to Alile.

The APC said investigations were already underway at its National Secretariat in Abuja to establish the identity of the alleged impostor and determine the circumstances surrounding the controversy.

The probe is also expected to establish whether party resources or beneficiaries were defrauded and identify individuals who might have facilitated the alleged diversion.

The party indicated that anyone found culpable could be referred to relevant security agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.

The controversy has raised questions about the handling of empowerment materials intended for grassroots women and the possible exploitation of party structures by individuals seeking to defraud beneficiaries.

The APC said the investigation would establish the facts, determine the extent of the alleged diversion and identify those responsible.

It also seeks to ensure that the party’s women leadership is not wrongly associated with the alleged activities and that empowerment materials reach their legitimate beneficiaries.