Echocho’s loss reflects will of the people, Kogi East APC leaders declare

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi East Senatorial District have defended the outcome of the party’s recently concluded senatorial primary election, insisting that the process was transparent, democratic, and reflective of the wishes of party members.

The primary election resulted in the defeat of incumbent senator representing Kogi East, Jibrin Isah Echocho, who also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, party leaders in the district described the exercise as peaceful, credible, and devoid of intimidation or manipulation, urging aggrieved aspirants to accept the outcome in the interest of party unity and stability.

The stakeholders, led by Dr. Abubakar Y. Rajab, said the conduct of the direct primary election reflected the “true spirit of democracy,” noting that party members across the district were freely allowed to determine their preferred candidate.

According to the group, consultations had initially been held among party elders, executives, opinion leaders, and critical stakeholders with the aim of reaching a consensus arrangement before the primaries.

However, they explained that emerging concerns and unresolved issues made it necessary for the party to abandon consensus and adopt direct primaries to ensure fairness to all aspirants.

“Before the commencement of the primaries, extensive consultations were held among critical stakeholders, elders, party executives and opinion leaders across Kogi East,” Rajab said.

“Consensus-building efforts were initially explored, but observable gaps and emerging concerns necessitated the adoption of direct primaries in order to provide every aspirant equal opportunity to test his popularity, political acceptability and grassroots credibility.”

The stakeholders maintained that APC members turned out massively during the exercise to freely vote for candidates of their choice.

“At the end of the exercise, the outcome spoke eloquently and unequivocally. The will of the people prevailed and the most credible and politically acceptable candidate emerged victorious,” the group stated.

The party leaders further disclosed that Senator Echocho had earlier been informed about the zoning arrangement which, according to them, favoured Ankpa Federal Constituency following the completion of his two-term tenure in the Senate.

They said the zoning understanding was consistent with the long-established rotational tradition within Kogi East Senatorial District aimed at ensuring fairness, inclusion, and political balance among the constituent federal constituencies.

The stakeholders expressed surprise that despite being aware of the arrangement, the senator still proceeded to purchase nomination forms and contest the primary election.

The APC leaders also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting democratic principles, internal party discipline, equity, and fairness within the ruling party.

They praised APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside members of the National Working Committee for strengthening internal democracy within the party.

The group equally lauded the leadership of the APC in Kogi State for coordinating the primary election process effectively.

Former governor of the state, Yahaya Adoza Bello, was commended for his political leadership, while Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo was praised for ensuring what the stakeholders described as a level playing field for all aspirants.

The stakeholders appealed to all aggrieved party members to embrace reconciliation and avoid actions capable of undermining the unity of the APC in Kogi East.

They reaffirmed confidence in the strength of the party within the district and pledged continued support for President Tinubu and future APC candidates in subsequent elections.