By Matthew James Avabee
I have closely observed a troubling trend within our party in Kogi State, where a single individual or a small group attempts to unilaterally decide candidates for multiple positions ahead of APC primaries.
Even more concerning is the growing acceptance of this practice among some party faithful. This approach is not only unhealthy for internal democracy but also dangerous for party unity and electoral success.
There is nothing inherently wrong with leadership identifying or supporting preferred candidates. However, such decisions must be handled with inclusiveness, consultation, and respect for other aspirants who have invested time, resources, and built political structures over the years.
No serious aspirant spends years mobilizing supporters, building connections, and committing resources only to wake up to rumors or media narratives that a “system candidate” has been imposed without engagement or explanation, This approach inevitably breeds resentment.
A Better Path is Clear:
Bring all aspirants to the table. Engage them meaningfully. Explain the rationale behind any consensus decision. Where necessary, offer political assurances, future opportunities, or Contract compensatory arrangements that acknowledge their sacrifices. These individuals have followers, and how they are treated will directly influence how those followers behave during elections, Ignoring this reality is risky.
Even when aspirants reluctantly accept imposed outcomes, their supporters may not. This opens the door to anti-party activities, voter apathy, or defections especially as we approach the critical 2027 elections.
The political atmosphere in Kogi State, particularly in Kogi Central, is no longer what it was in 2019 or 2023. The dynamics have changed, and we must adjust accordingly.
His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, alongside party leadership and stakeholders and our state leader, His Excellency Yahaya Adoza Bello must urgently pay attention to internal party management as we approach the primaries.
No one should be belittled or dismissed. Those with genuine grassroots support and electoral value must be given fair consideration. Incumbents who have performed well and remain popular with their constituents should be encouraged to seek re-election to consolidate party strength, Where conflicts of interest exist, dialogue not imposition should be the guiding principle.
Failure to secure strong electoral victories across Kogi State, particularly in key districts like Kogi Central, could send dangerous signals ahead of future electoral cycles most especially during Gubernatorial re-election at the national.
We must not forget the lessons of 2023. The party’s performance in Kogi Central had consequences, including reduced political leverage at the national level. That mistake must not be repeated. It has already cost the zone significantly in terms of infrastructure and federal appointments under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu compared to other 2 Districts in the state.
The issues affecting Aspirants and constituencies in Okene/Ogori-Magongo, Ajaokuta, and Okehi/Adavi Federal Constituency require urgent attention. All stakeholders and aspirants must be brought together to align interests and strengthen the party’s chances.
We know those who can win elections based on performance and grassroots acceptance. The outcomes in these constituencies will significantly shape the political direction of Kogi Central and have a direct impact on future ambitions, particularly the senatorial aspirations of Yahaya Adoza Bello (FGYB). If the party enters these elections divided, it weakens not just individual candidates but the broader strategic pathway for future victories which will give a big blow to FGYB aspirations, the ball is in your court your Excellency if you want the party to go into the election divided, For that Unity within the party is therefore not optional it is strategic to winning any election, it affected us in 2023 during the Senatorial contest between senator Natasha and Senator Ohere and Hon. Idris Ozi And Hon. Abdulmalik Danga Porphy House of Representatives election.
It is also deeply troubling that, in some cases, candidates are being imposed even at the State Assembly level through informal influence, with little regard for loyalty, contribution, or popularity among constituents. This undermines morale and weakens the party structure at the grassroots.
If these patterns continue, anti-party activities will become inevitable. Where there is perceived injustice, resistance will follow.
Your Excellency, Governor Ododo, this is a critical moment. The signals from the grassroots are clear and they are not encouraging. Addressing these concerns now will not only protect your re-election prospects but also preserve the unity and future of the party.
We must also recognize a growing political reality: voters are becoming more candidate-focused than party-loyal. Across the country, individuals increasingly support candidates based on personal conviction rather than party affiliation even voting across party lines in the same election cycle, for example you can see many states and candidates who are interested voting for their party alone for other offices but interested in voting President Tinubu of APC for President, I can tell you this trend is also real in Kogi State.
Finally, to the leader of the party in the state, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, this is the time to rise above personal or sectional interests and take full responsibility for stabilizing and strengthening the party. Your political legacy is deeply tied to the survival and success of this structure.
Strategic negotiation, harmonization of interests, and firm leadership are required now more than ever. The model of disciplined political organization, as demonstrated over decades by Bola Ahmed Tinubu both in Lagos and National, shows the enduring power of inclusion, structure, and strategic control of both human, Political power and their capital Resources
The future of APC in Kogi depends on the decisions we make today
I speak as a concerned observer and a pioneer member of APC, committed to the growth and unity of our great party though I may be misunderstood by those who benefit from division.
– Hon. Matthew James Avabee writes from FCT, Abuja.
