‘Don’t hijack Kogi East APC for family interests’ — Group knocks Steel Minister Audu

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East, Kogi East APC Justice Vanguard, has accused the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, of attempting to undermine the leadership of the party in the state following the outcome of the recently concluded Kogi East senatorial primary election.

In a communiqué issued on Wednesday and signed by its spokesman, Comrade Musa Ameh, the group described the primary election as credible, transparent and reflective of the wishes of party members across the district.

The group alleged that coordinated attacks against the APC leadership in Kogi State began after the minister’s preferred aspirant failed to secure victory at the primary, accusing some political actors of rejecting the same democratic process that had previously favoured them.

According to the group, the growing controversy surrounding the primary was driven by what it described as efforts to maintain political dominance within a narrow family circle in Kogi East politics.

The group further alleged that the daughter of the serving senator is married to the Steel Development Minister, claiming that the political influence being wielded by both figures was creating the impression that the APC structure in Kogi East was gradually becoming a “family enterprise.”

“It is ironic that those who benefitted from the party’s internal democratic process in the past are now questioning its credibility simply because the outcome no longer aligns with their interests,” the communiqué stated.

The Vanguard recalled that the APC’s internal mechanisms had produced Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho as candidate in both the 2019 and 2023 elections without major resistance from stakeholders across the district.

It argued that the current tension within the party was fueled by desperation to retain political relevance and control, warning against attempts to intimidate party leaders or discredit the primary process through media campaigns.

The group also condemned what it described as the deployment of “political jobbers and media minions” to attack the integrity of the Kogi State APC leadership and create division within the party in Kogi East.

Throwing its support behind Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the group commended the governor for maintaining neutrality during the primary process and allowing party members to freely determine their preferred candidate.

“The governor demonstrated fairness, maturity and respect for democratic choice. He should not be criticised for allowing party members to decide their political future through a credible process,” the statement added.

The group reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC leadership in Kogi State and called on members to remain united ahead of future political contests.

It, however, warned that any attempt to alter or subvert the outcome of the primary election could destabilise political peace within Kogi East.

“Any attempt by powerful interests to manipulate the will of party members may deepen divisions and create avoidable unrest within the zone,” the communiqué warned.

The group maintained that the outcome of the primary election reflected the genuine voice of APC members in Kogi East and insisted that the result must be respected by all stakeholders.