By joshua YOU WORKED FOR ADC IN THE 2023 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION, YOU CANNOT BE IN ADC AND CALL YOURSELF APC LEADERS: APC EXECUTIVES REPLY IMPOSTORS
The attention of the leadership, executives, and critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kabba has been drawn to the rejoinder issued by a group operating under the name “Concerned APC Stakeholders and Leaders, Kabba.” Having carefully reviewed the publication, the party considers it necessary to address the issues raised therein in order to protect the integrity of the APC and prevent members of the public from being misled.
Ordinarily, the APC would not have responded to yet another attempt by a few individuals to create needless controversy. However, when individuals who, in the party’s view, no longer represent its interests continue to parade themselves as spokespersons and leaders of the APC, silence could be misconstrued as acceptance. For that reason, we owe our members and the general public a duty to set the record straight.
The APC wishes to state unequivocally that the individuals behind the said rejoinder have no mandate whatsoever to speak for the party in Kabba. Leadership within the APC is not self-proclaimed, nor is it acquired through media statements. It is derived from party structures, constitutional processes, loyalty, discipline, and commitment to the ideals of the party.
The party further recalls that those individuals whose photographs surfaced in the meeting with Hon FALEKE worked for the ADC during the 2023 Kogi State Governorship Election. History unambiguously has is it that since the 26th January, 2016 they have all worked severally for APDA and ADC at various times to undermine the strength of the APC. This is the position of the APC and one that is well known among party members in the area. It is therefore surprising that individuals associated with electoral activities outside the APC for ten years now seek to present themselves to the public as leaders of the very party they did not stand with during a critical elections and holding no such party positions that could qualify them for the positions they impersonated during the National Assembly visit.
Politics is built on loyalty, consistency, and commitment. No individual can openly identify with or work for another political party and still expect to enjoy the privilege of speaking on behalf of the APC. Such conduct sends conflicting signals to party members, confuses the electorate, and undermines the unity and discipline upon which every successful political party is built.
If anyone has chosen to work with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the honourable and honest thing to do is to identify with that party instead of creating the false impression that they represent the APC. The APC cannot permit individuals with divided political loyalties to continue misleading the public by assuming titles and responsibilities that do not belong to them.
The party also considers it unacceptable that those who, in its view, mobilize for opposition interests would still attempt to benefit from the goodwill, resources, and opportunities of the APC. Genuine APC leaders are expected to defend the party, mobilize support for its candidates, and protect its interests not pursue activities that strengthen rival political parties while simultaneously claiming APC leadership.
No amount of press releases, public relations campaigns, or attempts to rewrite history can erase the political choices made during the 2023 gubernatorial election. Party members know who stood with the APC, who worked tirelessly for its success, and who aligned themselves elsewhere. The facts, as understood by the party, cannot be altered through carefully worded statements.
It is also important to address the recurring pattern of actions capable of creating unnecessary tension within the APC in Kabba and across Kogi West. The leadership believes that the repeated attempts by this group to issue statements in the name of the party, despite questions about their standing, are capable of creating confusion among members and portraying a false picture of division where the party continues to strengthen its structures.
The APC therefore views these actions as those of individuals acting in a manner that encourages division rather than unity. At a time when the party is consolidating its gains and preparing for future political engagements, every loyal member should be working towards strengthening internal cohesion rather than promoting narratives capable of weakening the party.
The leadership of the APC is fully aware of the activities of this group and will continue to monitor every action capable of undermining the unity, discipline, and stability of the party. Let it be clearly understood that the APC is a disciplined institution governed by its constitution, rules, and established procedures. No individual, regardless of status or past association, is above the party.
Accordingly, the party advises those involved to immediately desist from parading themselves as APC leaders or issuing statements capable of misleading members of the public into believing they speak for the APC. Should such actions continue, the party will not hesitate to activate the appropriate disciplinary mechanisms available under its constitution. Where necessary, the APC also reserves the right to pursue appropriate legal remedies against any continued impersonation or unauthorized representation of the party.
The APC wishes to assure all members, supporters, and stakeholders that the party remains united, focused, and fully committed to delivering victory in future elections. We will not allow a handful of individuals to distract us from our collective mission or derail the progress the party has continued to make in Kabba, Kogi West, and Kogi State at large.
We reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress at every level and call on all genuine party faithful to remain calm, vigilant, and committed to the principles of unity, discipline, and loyalty. The APC belongs to its duly constituted structures not to individuals who seek to use the party’s name for personal political convenience.
The era of impersonation, divided loyalty, and political double standards has no place in our great party. Those who have chosen another political path should have the courage to identify with it openly instead of hiding under the banner of the APC.
The APC remains one united family, and every attempt by agents of division to destabilize the party will be firmly resisted in accordance with the constitution and laws governing our great party.
Signed
APC Ward and LGA Executives, Kabba