By joshua 
The Sheriff of Lokoja Politics: How Alfa Imam Steers APC Through 2027 Storm
In the high-stakes chessboard of Kogi politics, Rt. Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam wears the uneasy crown.
A former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly and Lokoja I representative, Imam is no stranger to turbulence. Resigned in 2017 during the stormy early days of the Yahaya Bello administration as Speaker, he blamed his removal on refusing to compromise his principles.
He left the APC in 2023 with about 3,000 supporters, citing “failure” and disorganization, only to return in early 2026 as a recognized APC leader in Lokoja LGA.
Today, the party has handed him the sheriff’s badge: galvanize the APC for a “resounding 2027 election victory.”
The APC has already produced its chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the October local government election. Imam’s tougher task now sits at the state level: producing two House of Assembly members for Lokoja I and II.
The crowded race
Speaking at a function recently, the former Speaker confirmed that with the official declaration of Dr. Goddey Bassey, 22 aspirants — made up of what he called “quality people” — are now seeking to represent the people of Lokoja in the House of Assembly.
He expressed optimism that the men and women who have indicated interest are all people of “impeccable character,” describing the turnout as “the beauty of democracy.”
Imam disclosed that the party leadership has concluded arrangements to invite all aspirants to address stakeholders. The forum, he said, will allow them to state their objectives and give the party a chance to encourage them. He commended each aspirant for their courage.
He noted that the popularity of those who have come forward shows the APC “remains the bride of the people.” But, he stressed, it is the duty of the party to field a candidate who can fly the APC flag and ensure victory.
Ward A and the direct primary test
Sixteen of the aspirants are mostly from Ward A alone seeking Lokoja 1 Assembly. Imam said the leadership will be looking to streamline the number from Ward A and for Lokoja 1 ahead of the primary, which will be by direct primary method.
He used the opportunity to appeal to party members to complete the ongoing online registration, stressing that it is the only means that will enable them to vote for their choice candidates in the primary.
The former Speaker assured that the APC in Lokoja will create a level playing field for all aspirants, in a process he promised would be transparent and credible.
Why they call him a maverick
With blocs, godfathers, and rival camps all pressing their claims, keeping the APC united looks like a Herculean task. Yet many in Lokoja insist that if anyone can cross the Rubicon, it is Alfa Imam.
Supporters point to his grassroots record in Lokoja I and his status as a foundation member of the APC in the area. Critics note his political shifts between APC and PDP. Both sides agree on one thing: Imam understands Lokoja’s political undercurrents.
As Speaker, he steered the Assembly through Bello’s turbulent start. As a defected opposition figure in 2023, he pulled thousands with him. As a returnee in 2026, he was welcomed back with funfair as a “major political force owing to his grassroots appeal.”
That ability to move men — and to survive crises — is why the party has saddled him with unifying warring interests before the primaries.
The road to 2027
For a man once resigned as Speaker for obvious reasons, once in opposition, and now back as APC’s point man, the assignment is clear: keep the house from splitting while producing winners for Lokoja I and II.
“With various interests and blocks, how far he will go and still maintain a united APC remains a challenge,” a party chieftain in Lokoja said. “But Alfa is a sheriff who knows every corner of this town. If anyone can enforce order without breaking the party, it’s him.”
The uneasy crown fits. The test is whether he can wear it to 2027 without it falling.