By joshua 
APC SENATORIAL PRIMARIES IN KOGI STATE: A CALL FOR URGENT INTERVENTION BY THE PRESIDENT AND NATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF OUR GREAT PARTY
The recent All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary elections in Kogi State have generated widespread concerns, debates, and disagreements across the three senatorial districts. What should have been a unifying democratic exercise has unfortunately left many party faithful questioning the process and its implications for the future of our great party in the state.
This message is a direct appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Chairman of the APC, members of the National Working Committee, and all leaders entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the unity and electoral success of our party.
WHY THE CONTROVERSIES ACROSS THE THREE SENATORIAL DISTRICTS?
The APC senatorial primaries in Kogi State have become one of the most controversial political exercises in recent times, with disputes and counter-claims emerging from all three senatorial districts.
Kogi Central
In Kogi Central, the situation remains highly contentious. Former Governor Yahaya Bello has laid claim to the APC ticket, while Chief Momoh Yusuf Obaro and his supporters insist that he remains the authentic candidate.
The controversy stems from conflicting reports regarding the screening exercise. While some reports indicated that Yahaya Bello was cleared by the APC screening committee, others alleged that he was not cleared and did not fully participate in the screening process.
The confusion did not end there. Following the primary election, stakeholders from Kogi Central reportedly took their grievances to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. Rather than calling for the outright cancellation of the exercise, many stakeholders urged the national leadership to consider candidates who participated in the screening and primary process, particularly Chief Momoh Yusuf Obaro and Ibrahim Adoke, in determining the authentic candidate of the party.
Kogi West
In Kogi West, the controversy has taken a different dimension as both Senator Sunday Karimi and Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro have been linked to competing claims regarding the party ticket. While some stakeholders pointed to consensus arrangements, others questioned the legitimacy and outcome of the process.
Kogi East
The situation in Kogi East appears equally unsettled, with multiple aspirants reportedly laying claim to the ticket, including Dr. Emeh Arico and Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho. These competing claims have further deepened concerns about transparency, fairness, and the credibility of the exercise.
The fundamental question many party members and observers are asking is simple:
Why is Kogi State witnessing controversies in all three senatorial districts at the same time?
Political observers argue that conflicting declarations, allegations of parallel processes, disagreements over screening outcomes, and disputes surrounding the announcement of results have created uncertainty within the party. The situation has also raised concerns about adherence to APC national guidelines governing the conduct of primary elections.
THE ISSUE OF FAIRNESS, INCLUSION AND POLITICAL BALANCE
Beyond the controversies surrounding the primaries, there is growing concern among stakeholders regarding political inclusion and the equitable distribution of political opportunities across local government areas.
Many party members believe that certain local government areas have consistently been deprived, marginalized, or shortchanged in the sharing of key political offices and appointments. In some districts, there is a perception that major political positions are concentrated within a limited number of local government areas, leaving others without meaningful representation.
This concern is particularly strong in Kogi Central, where many stakeholders believe that fairness, equity, and justice should guide political arrangements to ensure that all local government areas have a sense of belonging. Similar concerns have also been expressed in parts of Kogi West and Kogi East.
A political party can only remain strong when every segment of its membership feels respected, recognized, and carried along. Where there is a perception of exclusion, resentment naturally grows, and such resentment can affect party unity, voter mobilization, and electoral performance.
A WARNING SIGNAL FOR THE PARTY
The APC remains the dominant political party in Kogi State, but no political party should take the loyalty of its members for granted.
If urgent steps are not taken to address the grievances being expressed by stakeholders across the state, there is genuine concern among many party faithful that internal dissatisfaction could weaken the party’s electoral strength and create avoidable challenges in forthcoming elections.
The current situation should serve as a warning signal to the party leadership. Unity cannot be sustained where there are unresolved disputes, perceived injustices, and feelings of exclusion among committed party members.
OUR APPEAL TO THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
We respectfully call on the President, the National Chairman, and the National Working Committee of the APC to:
1. Carefully review all disputes arising from the Kogi State senatorial primaries.
2. Ensure that party guidelines and constitutional provisions are strictly followed in resolving all outstanding issues.
3. Promote fairness, equity, and justice in the distribution of political opportunities and appointments.
4. Address concerns relating to marginalization and political imbalance across local government areas.
5. Strengthen reconciliation efforts among aspirants, stakeholders, and party members.
History has shown that political parties suffer setbacks when legitimate concerns are ignored. Conversely, parties grow stronger when leaders listen to the voices of their members and take timely corrective actions.
This appeal is not intended to create division but to preserve the unity, credibility, and electoral strength of our great party. We remain committed APC members and stakeholders who desire the continued success of the APC at both the state and national levels.
The time for constructive engagement and corrective action is now.
Written By:
Concerned APC Elder Advisory Council
By Hon. Abdullah Bello (RT)