Kogi APC Stakeholders Reject Senator Echocho’s Suspension, Petition National Chairman
The political atmosphere in Kogi East Senatorial District has taken a turbulent turn as prominent leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have petitioned the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, over the purported suspension of Senator Jibrin Isah (Echocho).
The stakeholders described the suspension as “invalid,” alleging that it was the outcome of high-handedness and “desperate tactics” by certain state actors seeking to undermine the senator’s political standing.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Wednesday and signed by their representative, Ibrahim Mohammed, the group accused unnamed state officials of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation and forging the consent of local party leadership.
“We are calling on the National Chairman and the National Secretary to ignore the purported letter of rejection currently being circulated,” the statement read.
“Our investigation reveals that many of those who attended the meeting where these signatures were extracted are not even authentic ward executives, let alone chairmen. This is a clear case of impersonation and political desperation taken to its highest level.”
The stakeholders warned that the internal rift could weaken the APC’s political base in Kogi State ahead of future elections, insisting that coercion and internal manipulation risk alienating the electorate.
“The desperation currently being exhibited by certain elements within the state government is alarming,” Mohammed stated.
“By trying to forcefully unseat a performing senator, they are not just attacking an individual; they are sabotaging the stability of the APC in Kogi East. We must prioritize party cohesion over personal vendettas.”
Defending the senator’s record, the stakeholders insisted that Senator Jibrin Isah’s performance makes him the party’s most viable candidate for future elections.
They cited his legislative interventions and development projects across the nine local government areas of Kogi East as evidence of his contribution to the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Re-electing Senator Jibrin Isah is to the strategic advantage of the entire Igala nation and Kogi East. His achievements are visible for everyone to see,” the group said.
“He has earned the trust of the people, and his return to the Red Chamber will ensure the region continues to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
The statement urged party loyalists in Kogi East to remain calm and resist what it described as “undemocratic maneuvers” aimed at destabilising the district.
As the internal dispute within the Kogi State chapter of the APC continues to attract attention, the party’s national secretariat is expected to review the petition and determine the authenticity of the local executive actions.
المصدر: Leadership (Nigeria)