By joshua An Open Letter to Kogi State APC Leadership: A Call for Political Sobriety
By Ahmed Mohammed B. Mallam
The current posture of the All Progressives Congress (APC) executive structure in Kogi State calls for sober reflection. What should ordinarily be a demonstration of party loyalty and internal discipline appears, increasingly, to be degenerating into a culture of unquestioning political obedience, at a time when many party members at the grassroots are grappling with economic hardship.
The recent town hall meeting provides an opportunity for the party leadership to reflect on the state of its internal democracy and the growing concerns among its members.
Reports of the suspension of party members allegedly for attending the meeting are particularly troubling. Political parties thrive on participation, engagement and persuasion, not fear or exclusion. Disciplinary measures, where necessary, should be guided by the party’s constitution and established procedures rather than used to silence legitimate political expression.
The APC leadership must also recognise that political loyalty cannot be sustained by mere directives. Ward and local government executives are the foundation of any political party. Many of these men and women have invested their time, resources and energy in building the party. Yet, when they face unemployment, hardship and neglect, demanding absolute loyalty without addressing their concerns risks creating resentment rather than commitment.
The emerging political reality in Kogi State also deserves attention. Senator Sunday Karimi’s growing visibility and grassroots acceptance cannot simply be wished away through internal political manoeuvring. His supporters believe his performance and engagement with constituents have strengthened his standing among the people.
The forthcoming election will ultimately provide the clearest test of the strength of the APC’s political structure. Elections are not won merely through party offices or directives; they are won through genuine grassroots mobilisation, public confidence, credible candidates and the ability to persuade voters.
For this reason, the APC leadership in Kogi State, particularly the leadership in Oworo, should consider reconciliation and inclusiveness as urgent priorities. There is still time to rebuild confidence, listen to aggrieved members and bring all tendencies within the party together.
Those who have worked for the success of Senator Karimi and the APC deserve recognition and inclusion. Political differences should not become permanent divisions. The party cannot afford to isolate its own grassroots supporters and subsequently expect them to deliver victory at the polls.
The electorate has also become more politically conscious. Party members are increasingly asserting their right to make political choices based on conscience, performance and their perception of who can best represent their interests.
As a card-carrying member of the APC, I therefore make my position clear: I will continue to support Senator Sunday Karimi with my vote, campaign and political goodwill. I believe he has the capacity to emerge victorious and to use the mandate for the development of his people.
The message to the APC leadership is simple: this is the time for political sobriety, dialogue and reconciliation—not confrontation and exclusion.
The party should listen to its grassroots before the grassroots speaks through the ballot.
Congratulations to Talba Lakwaja on what his supporters describe as a new phase of political liberation.
May God spare our lives and grant our leaders the wisdom to put the interests of the people above personal and factional considerations.