The recently concluded APC gubernatorial primaries in Kogi State have not only left a sour taste in the mouths of party members, but it has also exposed the party’s uninspiring choice of candidate. Despite being the ruling party in the state, the APC is struggling to project the vibrancy that is expected of a party going into an election.
The emergence of Usman Ododo as the party candidate has been greeted with mixed reactions, with many questioning his suitability to lead a strategic state like Kogi. Ododo, who is perceived as an anointed candidate of the outgoing governor Yahaya Bello, has failed to stand tall on his own and is often seen as an appendage to the governor. This has led to speculation that he is being used as a placeholder for the governor’s third term agenda.
The lack of independence displayed by Ododo has also raised concerns about his ability to govern effectively if elected. He has failed to come out and address the party in the state, nor has he rolled out any policy document that suggests he is really in the race. This has left many party members disillusioned and wondering if the APC has the capacity to offer a credible alternative to the current government.
The outcome of the primaries has also generated a polarizing effect, pitching regions against each other. This has further weakened the party’s position in the state, making it even more difficult for the candidate to garner support from all sections of the state.
The APC primaries in Kogi State have left the party in a precarious position, as it faces stiff competition from the People’s Democratic Party and the emerging third force party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The handling of the primaries has left many feeling disenchanted, with the party’s candidate, who appears to be overshadowed by the governor’s domineering posture.
As the race for the Lugard House heats up, the contest has been dangerously drawn along tribal lines, with the Igalas mobilizing for their candidate on the SDP platform, the Okun region rooting for theirs on the PDP platform, and the Ebiras sticking with the APC. This has made the race in Kogi muffled in the noise of regional supremacy, badly handled primaries, and the absence of justice, fairness, and balance. The situation is a cause for concern, as it could lead to violence and unrest if not properly handled.
To address this, the APC needs to re-strategize and present a candidate who can rally support from all regions of the state, irrespective of tribal affiliations. The party must also ensure that justice, fairness, and balance are upheld throughout the electoral process to avoid any crisis. The race for the Lugard House in Kogi State is a critical one, and the outcome will have a significant impact on the state’s future. It is crucial that all parties involved work towards promoting peace, justice, and fairness in the electoral process, and that the APC presents a candidate who can unite the state and lead it to greater heights.
The APC’s choice of candidate in Kogi State leaves a lot to be desired. The party must re-strategize and come up with a candidate that can project the vibrancy and independence needed to lead the state effectively. Failure to do so will result in the party losing the confidence of the electorate, and ultimately, the election.
Ben Abdul, an APC stakeholder writes from Abuja.