In a letter to the Forum of Igala Journalists, Minister of Steel Development Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has responded to concerns raised by the group about his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Audu, who is also the Director-General of the APC governorship campaign council in Kogi State, said that he is uncomfortable with the journalists’ subjective views on politics, leadership, and governance. He also said that he believes in the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, who has been fair to all segments of the state, including the Igala people.
Audu said that he is a member of the APC and that his membership of the party has given him the opportunity to be appointed as a Minister of the Federal Republic. He said that he will go all out to campaign for the victory of his party in the Kogi State governorship election.
The Forum of Igala Journalists had written to Audu expressing concern about his support for Ododo, who is not an Igala. The journalists said that they were worried that Audu’s support for Ododo would divide the Igala people and weaken their political power in Kogi State.
Audu’s response to the journalists’ concerns has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have praised him for his commitment to the APC and his willingness to work with people from other ethnic groups. Others have criticized him for not being more supportive of the Igala people.
It remains to be seen how Audu’s support for Ododo will affect the outcome of the Kogi State governorship election. However, his response to the journalists’ concerns has certainly added to the debate about the role of ethnicity in Nigerian politics.