Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi Central have denounced the party ‘s primary election for the district in which former Governor Yahaya Bello purportedly emerged as winner. The stakeholders drawn from the five local governments of the district besieged the Secretariat of the party in Abuja demanding cancellation of the entire exercise citing gross illegality, which includes the non clearance of Yahaya Bello by the party ‘s primary election screening committee.
They accused the former Governor of organising a different primary that involved only his supporters possibly with collusion from some individuals at the party ‘s Secretariat.
Speaking to newsmen, the Coordinator of the Kogi Central movement, one of the groups involved in the protest, disclosed that the entire process is flawed from the beginning particularly with Yahaya Bello disregarding the screening committee which would have automatically disqualified him on the basis of his EFCC cases and his antecedent impunity.
“We are here to strongly express our opposition to the senatorial ambition of former Governor Yahaya Bello and to call on the APC leadership not to consider him for the Kogi Central Senatorial ticket. The protest before the public today is a call for conscience, accountability, and responsible leadership. A man surrounded by serious allegations, public distrust, and questions over his stewardship of Kogi State should not be rewarded with another opportunity to represent the people at the National Assembly. Kogi people deserve leaders with integrity, credibility, and respect for democratic processes
“The decision of former Governor Yahaya Bello to seek the senatorial ticket for Kogi Central has raised serious concerns among party members and ordinary citizens across the state. Reports that he allegedly avoided the APC screening process have deepened public suspicion and anger. Screening is an important part of party democracy. Every aspirant is expected to face the process openly and honestly. Avoiding such scrutiny damages public trust and creates the impression that some individuals believe they are above party rules and above accountability, Adabara added.
Speaking also in the same vein, Comrade Suleiman Otaru, called on the APC leadership to do the needful and right the wrong, if it wants the party to maintain it’s credibility and acceptability in the senatorial district.
“Today, we appeal to the conscience of the APC leadership to reject this ambition in the interest of justice, credibility, and the survival of the party in Kogi State. Kogi Central deserves leaders who will protect the people’s resources, defend the dignity of the state, and inspire confidence among the next generation. Our message is simple and clear. The APC must not reward controversy, avoidable suspicion, and failed leadership with another public office. The future of Kogi State is too important for such a mistake to be repeated.”